ST Johnstone open their 2026/27 Scottish Premiership season on 2 August at McDiarmid Park, hosting Kilmarnock in a 2 pm kickoff that will be shown live on Sky Sports. The Saints arrive fresh from a dominant Championship run – League standing: 1st in Championship, 77 pts, 22W-11D-3L from 36 games, recent form WWWWW – and will look to translate that momentum into top‑flight points.

When does the season begin for the Saints?

The opening fixture arrives on a Sunday afternoon, marking the first of a busy August schedule. After Kilmarnock, the Saints host Celtic on 22 August before travelling to Hearts on 29 August. The early month also features a trip to St Mirren on 8 August. This cluster of high‑profile games gives manager Simo Valakari a chance to test his squad against both newly promoted rivals and established giants.

Who are the key opponents in the first half of the campaign?

Beyond the Kilmarnock debut, the Saints face Celtic twice before the year‑end – at home on 22 August and again on 5 December. Rangers also appear twice, first away on 24 October and then at home on 12 December. The fixture list pits St Johnstone against the traditional Old Firm clubs and the league’s other promotion hopefuls, such as Dundee United on 17 October and Motherwell on 28 October. These matches will test the depth of Valakari’s side and could shape their position before the split.

What does the schedule mean for the club’s ambitions?

A challenging opening month suggests the Saints must hit the ground running. Their recent form – five straight wins, the latest a 1‑0 victory over Ayr United on 1 May 2026 – shows they can sustain pressure. If they keep a similar run, the 11‑point cushion they enjoy over Partick in the Championship could translate into a solid mid‑table Premiership start. Scoring 67 goals while conceding just 25 this season highlights a balanced unit ready for the step up.

How can fans follow the action?

All six opening‑week games, including the Saints’ Kilmarnock clash, will be streamed live on Sky Sports. Fans without a subscription can still watch via the Sky Sports app or the no‑contract streaming option. The club also encourages supporters to stay updated through the official Twitter feed, where match‑day alerts and behind‑the‑scenes content will be posted.

The 2026/27 fixture list is subject to change, but the early slate gives ST Johnstone a clear roadmap: start strong, keep the winning habit alive, and aim to cement their place in Scotland’s top division.