The bookies have Scotland to beat Ukraine, but what do they know?
David McCarthy: They know plenty. I mean, have you ever seen a poor bookie? Scotland should be favourites on Wednesday and now it’s all about Steve Clarke’s men going out and justifying those odds.
Michael Gannon: They know Scotland are in a rich vein of form and should have nothing to fear against Ukraine. Steve Clarke ’s men will face a motivated team but a repeat of the Denmark performance should see us through.
Andy Newport: We all have huge sympathy for Ukraine and the situation they’ve been put in by Vladimir Putin’s vile invasion but FIFA say this game has to go ahead. Scotland are on form and have home advantage. They should fancy their chances.
Who should Scotland start in defence without Kieran Tierney and Nathan Patterson?
David McCarthy: Stephen O’Donnell won’t let us down at right-back but the loss of Tierney is huge as we don’t have anyone who carries the ball out from the back as he does. I reckon Clarke will go with Scott McKenna who is solid defensively.
Michael Gannon: It’s a blow as the system has been working a treat. Tony Ralston could be a good option on the right, with a back three of Scott McTominay, Grant Hanley and McKenna.
Andy Newport: A back three of Liam Cooper, Hanley and McTominay is a good mix of defending and technical ability. Aaron Hickey is comfortable on both flanks and his Serie A form means he’s a better bet than Patterson.
How much will Rangers get if they sell Calvin Bassey this summer?
David McCarthy: I’ve never seen a progression as rapid in the space of six months. Bassey is tailor-made for the EPL and it’s no wonder clubs are lining up. The bidding has to start at £20m and should go far higher than that.
Michael Gannon: The Rangers defender has all the tools to be a top-class centre back in the EPL one day. There’s plenty of time and unless there’s a £20m plus bid on the table then there’s nothing for Gers to think about.
Andy Newport: This kid has it all - power, pace, crossing and adaptability. Rangers should be looking to maximise any profits if they let him go this summer and £20million looks like a decent starting point for negotiations.
Will Ange Postecoglou tweak his Celtic tactics for the Champions League?
David McCarthy: It’s not going to happen as it’s not in the big man’s DNA. Here’s a free tip when you go to pick up your winnings at the bookies (see Q1) - both teams to score in every Celtic Champions League match next season.
Michael Gannon: Don’t be fooled by some of the all-out attack stuff said when it comes to Postecoglou. He knows how to adapt his team to suit – look at the way they closed the game down at Ibrox. He won’t be wide open against the big guns.
Andy Newport: Europe wasn’t kind on the champions last season but it came when Postecoglou was still reworking his team. They’re a far more settled prospect now but a bit of pragmatism is required when up against top-level opposition.
