While most leagues are still picking up the pieces following an extraordinary season ruined by the coronavirus, the Scottish Premiership has raced out of the blocks and is already in its third week of the 2020-21 season.
The prospect of another Scottish season is usually enough to prompt loud yawns, but this time it is a bit different and likely to be more intense than in the recent past.
It will feature Celtic going for a record 10th straight title and arch-rivals Rangers doing their utmost to prevent it.
Since the Scottish Premiership was formed in 1998 there have only been two teams who have won the title and you don't win any prizes for guessing who they are -- the Old Firm.
In reality, for almost a decade the imbalance has been even greater, following Rangers' fall from grace which saw them miss four seasons in the top flight.
For nine seasons, the trophy has virtually become Celtic's private property. But it might not be such a stroll this season.
There is going to be huge pressure on the players and managers of both teams, but particularly Rangers.
Their fans can't face the prospect of seeing their bitter rivals take a total grip on bragging rights in Glasgow with a 10th consecutive title.
In the past, both Celtic and Rangers have won nine in a row, but failed to clinch the 10th.
From 1966-74, Celtic collected nine consecutive titles but were thwarted in their bid for the precious 10th by Rangers.
The Rangers team that ended the run were regarded as heroes by their supporters.
The tables were turned from 1988-97 when Rangers, who included stars like Brian Laudrup, Paul Gascoigne and Ally McCoist, won nine consecutive titles, but their bid for the 10th was halted by Celtic.
Alan Stubbs played for the successful Celtic side that year, but doesn't recall the season very fondly.
"It was the most intense pressure I've ever played under. It wasn't enjoyable," he said.
Current Celtic manager Neil Lennon knows what's stake: "Going for 10: It's historic, it's momentous and very special," said Lennon this week.
Rangers boss, former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard, knows the importance of this season too and his job could be on the line if he doesn't put an end to Celtic's success.
Gerrard is already feeling the strain and admitted he wasn't happy with dropping points in a frustrating draw against Livingston last week.
"This result isn't helpful for us," he said.
"I don't think we did much wrong… but people will point fingers."
Rangers currently head the standings with 10 points from four games.
But the table is misleading as Celtic have played only two games, earning four points and are currently in sixth spot.
They had to postpone two matches after left back Boli Bolingoli violated strict coronavirus safeguards by taking an unsanctioned trip to Spain, putting all the team at risk.
Lennon was furious with the Belgian player.
"I am livid. It was total betrayal of trust," he said. "The players are angry, disappointed and frustrated."
Celtic have since apologised to all clubs in the league.
Celtic enjoyed a warm-up for this weekend's league fixtures with a comfortable 6-0 victory over Icelandic side Reykjavik in the opening qualifier for the Champions League.
Lennon called it "a good night's work with lots of positives."
Today Celtic face what could be a tricky match away to Dundee United while Rangers are at home to Kilmarnock, who held the Hoops to a draw two weeks ago.
One club the Old Firm will not be playing in the league this season is Heart of Midlothian who were relegated after finishing bottom of the shortened previous season.
But one thing you can never take away from Hearts is their magnificent name which has a certain lyrical feel to it.
The name is derived from an old dance hall in Edinburgh, the Heart of Midlothian Dancing Club.
Hearts really belong in the top flight and hopefully will be back there next season.
For some reason, the lower leagues in Scotland don't kick-off until Oct 17.
Going all the way back to the launch of the Scottish League in 1891, Rangers have won the title 54 times and Celtic 51.
Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian have won four times, but that was in the distant past.
The last team to beat the Old Firm's grip on the league title were Aberdeen back in 1985 under the management of a certain Sir Alex Ferguson.