Did Rangers display against Napoli ease the pressure on Gio van Bronckhorst?
David McCarthy: It was far better but the bottom line is it’s three defeats in a row and an 0-11 aggregate score, so the pressure is very much on the boss. A loss to Dundee United today would bring the noise around van Bronckhorst to fever pitch.
Fraser Wilson: Yes. It had all the energy and desire that were the foundations for the run to the Europa League Final. But for a red card, it could have earned a point. It has to be backed up by a convincing win today or the Dutchman will be even deeper in the mire.
Michael Gannon: Not by much. Rangers should end the losing streak against United but van Bronckhorst needs his new signings to start making an impact or the heat will remain turned up to the max.
Can Celtic reach the Champions League knockouts?
David McCarthy: They’re in with a shout. If Real Madrid beat everyone else home and away, Celtic are in a fight for second within a doubt. That said, it could be so tight that they could end up third or fourth.
Fraser Wilson: Definitely. Celtic looked a good bit better than Shakhtar Donetsk and should hope to take all three points in the return. The double-header with Leipzig is crucial. Take four points from those two games and it could be party time.
Michael Gannon: They are in the fight. If Real Madrid run clear, it will be a tight three-way fight and eight points could seal second. Celtic’s displays suggest they could sneak it and should claim third at least.
How do you rate Hearts chances of Conference League progression?
David McCarthy: They’ve given themselves a shot at it with the win in Latvia. Fiorentina don’t appear to be any great shakes at the moment, so taking four points from them should be enough. It’s a big ask but not impossible.
Fraser Wilson: What a great result for the Jambos. A week ago I’d have said no chance. But the way the group is unfolding, it looks like Istanbul will cruise to top spot, leaving Hearts needing maybe two more wins to snatch second. Thursday showed that is possible.
Michael Gannon: They could be in with a shout as Basaksehir will coast it and Fiorentina look a shambles on an eight-game winless streak. A famous result against the Italians and a home win versus RFS isn’t beyond them if they play like they did on Thursday.
What do you make of the Scotland squad?
David McCarthy: A bit same old, same old. Barrie McKay’s creativity, even off the bench, would give us something a bit different. Ryan Gauld and Lewis Morgan are pulling up trees in the MLS but Clarke seems to have decided they’re not an option.
Fraser Wilson: It’s very Steve Clarke. Ryan Porteous’ inclusion raised eyebrows and perhaps Hearts’ Stephen Kingsley can feel a bit aggrieved at being overlooked. Other than that, it’s just great to see Kieran Tierney back in there.
Michael Gannon: There’s a lot to like, even without Andy Robertson. We’ve got two right-backs doing the business in the Premier League in Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey, for starters. McKay must be close and we could do with a Tartan Harry Kane... but what’s new?
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