We might be a fortnight away but a looming clash between Rangers and Celtic is already in the thinking of every supporter of both clubs.
The Parkhead faithful were watching matches between their fingers for long spells last season but they are full of belief once more as Ange Postecoglou 's attacking demands have led to 13 goals in their last three matches.
The season will not be defined by the first derby but there's no doubt it carries extra weight for both considering Rangers' slow start.
Steven Gerrard has watched his side lose three consecutive matches and a 4-2 aggregate against Malmo leaves them in the Europa League playoff alongside their great rivals.
Both teams have become familiar with the Thursday-Sunday grind of playing in Europe but there's a couple of fixture rarities for both on the road to Ibrox on August 29.
And it starts on Friday night for Rangers. Their last 16 clash with Dunfermline tonight is big in its own right but the aftermath will be as equally important.
They don't play again for six days until they host Alashkert next Thursday and that sets in motion a run of four games in 10 days including a mammoth trip to Armenia for the return leg.
Rangers travel to Dingwall on Sunday, August 22 but it won't be the usual lunchtime kick-off with Dundee vs Hibernian the live TV game on Sky Sports. The match in the Highlands is marked in for a 3pm start.
Then it's off to Alashkert before returning to Glasgow to host their great rivals who themselves are looking at a fixture anomaly.
Postecoglou and his players watched their Champions League dream end against Midtjylland but they will sharing the spotlight with teams eyeing a place at European football's top table next week.
Due to both Celtic and Rangers being drawn at home first - the Parkhead side's fixture against AZ Alkmaar will take place on Wednesday, August 18.
That has a knock-on effect domestically as their clash with St Mirren can now remain as a traditional 3pm kick-off on Saturday, August 21.
Celtic then head to Holland on for the return leg with Alkmaar on Thursday, August 26 before they return home to gear up for their Ibrox showdown.
The big two in Glasgow are no strangers to jam-packed schedules but the changes offer both coaching and fitness teams some things to ponder over how best to approach a vital stretch before the first international break.
