Rangers begin defence against Kilmarnock

Soccer: Champions Rangers will begin their defence of the Scottish Premier League title in front of their own fans

Soccer:Champions Rangers will begin their defence of the Scottish Premier League title in front of their own fans. Walter Smith's men, who finished six points clear of Celtic to retain their SPL title, will start the 2010-11 season on August 14th at home to Kilmarnock.

A trip to Hibernian follows, before St Johnstone provide the opposition at Ibrox on August 28th.

Rangers' Old Firm rivals Celtic are the first opponents for Inverness on their return to the top flight - Terry Butcher's Irn-Bru Division One champions have home advantage in the August 14th opener.

Dundee United, who finished third last season on the back of an impressive record which saw them beaten just twice away from home, travel to St Mirren on the opening day.

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It means new Buddies manager Danny Lennon, who left Cowdenbeath for Paisley after successive promotions, has a home game to start.

Elsewhere on the opening day, Hibernian travel to the club they pipped for fourth spot by a single point last season - Motherwell.

Hearts are at home to St Johnstone, while Aberdeen's bid to put a disappointing 2009-10 campaign behind them starts with the visit of Hamilton.

The Old Firm matches take place on October 23rd and February 19th at Parkhead, and New Year's Day at Ibrox.

The first Edinburgh derby is at Easter Road on November 6th. New Year's Day sees the two shape up at Tynecastle, with the third clash at Hibernian's home on April 2nd.

Kilmarnock also provide the opposition for Rangers at Ibrox in the final round of fixtures before the league splits, on April 16th, when Celtic are at St Johnstone.