Will Celtic make waves in the Champions League? Jury make 4 differing predictions about Rodgers’ red hot side.
The South-African based businessman wants back in but not everyone is convinced
Dave King desires a chairmanship return to the Rangers. Is he the appropriate guy for the job?
KEITH JACKSON: Most likely not.King’s disorganised first term in office severely tarnished his reputation as a leader. His innate tendency to pick fights in empty rooms could exacerbate an already out-of-control fire.
CRAIG SWAN:Since Dave King is familiar with the club’s internal operations, he will be able to quickly determine what is needed.
ANDY Newport:Before retiring in 2020, he had the Rangers moving in the right direction, no doubt. Someone has to restore rational, astute decision-making to the club. King has shown that he can provide that.
SCOTT BURNS: Rangers seem to be in a bit of a mess at the moment. There are key positions that need filling at the top of the clubs. They need somebody to come in and steady the ship. King could be the answer in the short-term but I’m not convinced a lot of the board will see him as the solution.
What do you expect from Celtic in the revamped Champions League?
KEITH: The minimum aim is to make it through the league phase and into the play-off round for the last 16. This Celtic squad looks equipped to do that and, in Brendan Rodgers, they have the right man calling the shots. Three points from the opener is a must.
CRAIG: Celtic have a chance to make a real dent and get through the league phase. Beating Slovan Bratislava this week would be the perfect start and they can do it.
ANDY: It’s a nice game to help Celtic ease themselves back in amongst the big boys. Confidence is high at Parkhead and you’d expect them to get off to a flyer. It’s time for Rodgers’ team to deliver on Europe’s top stage.
SCOTT: Slovan Bratislava have done well to get to this stage but if Celtic are serious about making an impact then this is a game they need to win. Anything other than three points would be a bit of a blow. I would expect an opening night victory.
Jimmy Thelin has rattled off 10 straight wins as Aberdeen boss. Are the Dons serious title contenders?
KEITH: There’s a long way to go before any prizes are handed out but Thelin has got off to a spectacular start to his Pittodrie career. There is no reason why he can’t cling onto Celtic’s coattails for a while yet.
CRAIG: It’s too early to say. If Aberdeen go through another 10 games with another stretch of terrific results, then they can be discussed as a serious proposition. Nonetheless, it’s brilliant to see them flying and Pittodrie packed.
ANDY: History suggests they will eventually find Celtic’s relentless pace to quick to keep up with but Thelin has done a fantastic job so far. It will be some story if he can keep it up.
SCOTT: As it stands, they look to be the only possible contenders to Celtic. It is still early in the season but they will have made a decent start and will finish, at least, in the top three. Ask me again in April if they will be in the title race.
What was your take on the VAR shambles at St Mirren on Saturday?
KEITH: It was fairly catastrophic stuff from ref Matthew MacDermid and his helpers at Clydesdale House. They were right to red card Joe Wright but St Mirren should have been down to nine men long before then. Shaun Rooney can now expect a date with the compliance officer and a retrospective ban.
CRAIG: Some of the stuff was beyond belief. It wasn’t just Shaun Rooney’s eyes that were watering after his encounter with Joe Wright. Everyone else’s were, too, with his kicks at Kyle Vassell.
ANDY: Even from the press box, where I was seated 50 yards away, it was evident that the Rooney kick at Vassell was inappropriate. Throughout the game, Clydesdale House had to save Matt MacDermid several times, but in that particular instance, both he and the television officials made grave mistakes.
Scott:That inconsistent play is what riles managers, and Joe Wright can have very few complaints but Shaun Rooney was a lucky man, not seeing red either.
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