As the Scottish Premiership kicks off, fans are left contemplating the readiness of their teams for the European stage. After an intense opening weekend, questions arise about whether clubs like Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibernian, and Motherwell are prepared for their upcoming challenges.

Celtic awaits their Champions League play-off in a fortnight, but the immediate focus is on Rangers, Hearts, Hibernian, and Motherwell, who engage in European qualifying matches on Thursday.

• Rangers, boasting the second-highest coefficient in Europa League qualifying behind Benfica, faces Jagiellonia Bialystok after a shaky start to their league campaign, having not won their opening match for the fourth consecutive season. Despite an improved second-half performance against Dundee United, concerns about creativity persist, especially with injuries affecting their defensive lineup.

• Hearts, under new coach Wouter Vrancken, confronts a daunting Europa League qualifying match against Benfica after a tough start, including a heavy aggregate defeat to Sturm Graz. The team’s late collapse against Aberdeen has raised alarms about the season ahead, making their clash with the Portuguese giants a critical test.

Both Rangers and Hearts need to address on-field challenges swiftly to maintain their hopes of progressing in European competitions. As the season unfolds, fans watch closely to see if their teams can overcome these hurdles and make a mark on the continent.