The SPFL will schedule the first Celtic vs Rangers clash of the season before the end of October, according to a report.
Neil Lennon had urged the governing body to push the game back until it could be guaranteed that fans will be in the stadium.
But he could be left disappointed with the SPFL set to announce that it will be held before the end of October, when it seems unlikely that full stadiums will be allowed.
There is potential for some supporters to be in the stadium by next month but it's highly unlikely that a crowd of more than 60,000 would be allowed in one place by August.
The Scottish Sun say the SPFL will announce their fixtures next Friday and Celtic will host the first derby of the campaign.
Rangers hosted the first game of the season last year with the Hoops coming out on top thanks to goals from Odsonne Edouard and Jonny Hayes.
Lennon had said: “Should the first Old Firm game be pushed back? I think that’s what everyone would want.
“Everyone associated with the game would want it and so would the clubs. I’m sure the TV companies would want it as well.
“I don’t know. If that’s the way it has to be, so be it.
“But I do think the authorities will look at it and try to push it back.
“It would give us more of a chance of getting punters back to the games.”
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard also admitted the game would be better with fans but was willing to play without them.
He said: ""We want fans back full stop. As soon as we can when it’s safe to do so.
"That’s the reason why we’re all excited to be here, to perform in front of our supporters and there’s no better atmosphere than an Old Firm game when it’s full.
"Whether that’s at Celtic Park or at Ibrox, Old Firms are always much better when there’s fans in there.
"I don’t make the decisions on whether to push back. When the fixtures land, we’ll deal with whatever comes our way.
"If we’re told that they fall when fans aren’t allowed we’ll face that challenge but if you’re asking me what I would prefer then of course I’d love a full stadium because the energy, the desire, the passion that comes from the terraces in these games is something special."
