Rangers are hoping to put one foot in the UCL against PSV tomorrow as GvB looks to get the better of old pal RvN.
It might be double Dutch in the dug outs but Hotline callers were plain-speaking when it comes to the Ibrox side’s chances of progressing into the group stage. Andy Kirkpatrick, Cambuslang, said: “It’s crunch time for Rangers. After the dismal qualifying exit to Malmo last year it’s time to get back in among the big boys. Rangers have shown they can beat the best in the Europa League so there’s no reason why they can’t now go toe to toe with teams like PSV and reach the Champions League.” But Paddy Gowans emailed: “Let's see what Rangers do against a proper football team in PSV. I'll be betting on the Dutch, it’s money for nothing. Technically they’re miles ahead of Rangers.”
Celtic made light work of Kilmarnock on Sunday with Jota lighting up Rugby Park with a 30-yard screamer on the way to a 5-0 thumping. And Kenny Wilson, Moffat , said: “I’ve got to say this overrated Celtic team with the supposed ‘one trick pony’ Jota is doing not too bad. Another top performance with goals and chances coming from all positions. Now to see how Rangers do against half decent opponents in Europe, it’s going to be fun so watch this space.”
Bud Hay, Dumfries, added: “What a goal from Jota, he reminds me a bit of Henrik Larsson and he was simply the best. Celtic could get about £50million if he scores like that every week.”
And David Bryce, Troon, said: “I have to pay tribute to Celtic for a wonderful performance on a woeful pitch. Jota and Juranovic were superb however Greg Taylor was the pick of the bunch and is turning into a fantastic left back for the club. My only gripe is that Turnbull and McGregor are off the pace at the moment.”
But Rangers fan George Wilson, West Sussex, took one Hotline regular to task over his Jota praise. George said: “Comical stuff from Stephen Mulhern with his Ronaldo comparisons and ‘world class’ Jota.
"He couldn’t get a regular game for Benfica, scoring no goals in 23 games. Now he’s going to sweep Celtic to the league title and qualification in the Champions League? All this based on Celtic beating the bottom two and a woeful Aberdeen in the league. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will be terrified.”
And Rab Brown emailed with a warning for Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos. He said: “Morelos is nowhere near fit enough yet for first team shot. He has a behind that Kim Kardishan would be proud of and needs to lose a lot of weight. Start hitting the treadmill Alfie.”
Aberdeen and Hibs continue to stutter with defeats to Motherwell and Livingston at the weekend not filling supporters with hope.
Dons fan Iain Alan, Linlithgow, wasn’t so dandy after the 3-2 defeat to Motherwell. He said: “I hope Jim Goodwin is scouring Europe for a decent central defender before the transfer deadline. Basic errors, dismal marking and a defence you could drive a bus through. Motherwell could easily have scored five.”
And John Scott, Grassmoor, reckons Hibs owner Ron Gordon has his priorities wrong. He said: “It's not Lee Johnson that's under pressure it's Ron Gordon. Hibs are screaming out for an experienced centre back and have done for over five years now, a midfield general who can tackle and make a defence splitting pass and for heavens sake, a striker.
"Ron has spent a fortune on the upkeep of the stadium with fancy TVs and corporate facilities the ordinary fan will never experience. But if you don't have a team to match those facilities then empty seats will outnumber the filled ones. Build a team Ron.”
Finally, Robert Gilbert, Kilwinning, had some advice for fellow Killie fan Jim McClean: “Jim thinks Killie are relegation candidates after three games. I think we are only two points behind where we should be. This is the same Jim McClean that was not going back to watch Killie last season and returning his season ticket - I hope he kept his word.”
Let us know what you think of today's calls in the comments section below...
