Edinburgh, Jul 6 (IANS): Reigning champions Celtic will kickstart the defence of their trophy with a home game against Hamilton Accies on Sunday as the Scottish Premiership released the fixture list for 2020/21, which is due to start on August 1 subject to approval from the Scottish Government.

A total of 13 matches will be screened live on Sky Sports during August, covering all 12 top-flight clubs, starting with Aberdeen vs Rangers at Pittodrie on the opening day, a statement on Scottish Premiership's official website said.

Former England star midfielder Steven Gerrard's Rangers will take on Aberdeen on August 1 with fixtures across the league set to be initially played behind closed doors.

Dundee United will mark their Premiership return by hosting St Johnstone while Motherwell, who finished third last season, start away to Ross County, the statement on spfl.co.uk further said.

The months of October and November will see fixture rounds to help Scotland national football team prepare for their European Championship play-off.

The New Year derbies will be played on Saturday January 2 and the final fixtures before the split are scheduled for April 3. The season is due to finish on the weekend of May 15-16.