**Newly promoted St Johnstone enter the 2026-27 Scottish Premiership after winning the Championship and face the typical challenge of immediate survival, with previews often highlighting them among early relegation candidates due to limited top-flight experience and squad adjustments.** Kilmarnock and Falkirk have started poorly, sitting at the bottom of the early table with heavy defeats and minimal points after four matches, while Aberdeen sit just above them following inconsistent results. St Mirren, who escaped via the playoffs last season, and other mid-to-lower table sides like Dundee and Dundee United must navigate a congested fixture list and the post-split format, where the bottom six contest the relegation round. Managerial changes, including arrivals at several clubs, and a busy summer transfer window with over 80 new signings league-wide add uncertainty to form and cohesion. The automatic relegation spot plus the playoff for 11th place keep multiple teams in contention through the winter months.