Rangers are in pole position to make the last eight of the Europa League after a 3-0 first leg romp over Red Star. How far will they go in this competition?
KEITH JACKSON: One step at a time. They’ve still got a job to finish in Belgrade just to make it into the quarters. But it must be said, they look every inch an accomplished European side. A run to the final wouldn’t come as a shock.
MICHAEL GANNON: There are some decent sides left in the hat but Rangers shouldn’t fear anyone. It would take an almighty effort to go all the way to the final but the adventure isn’t done yet.
ANDY NEWPORT: It all depends on the draw for the last eight. The likes of Porto and Braga won’t hold any fear but there are still some quality outfits in the hat. However, once you make the quarters - as Gers should do - you’re in with a punchers’ chance of going all the way.
SCOTT BURNS: Rangers will get past Red Star but it all depends on the draw. You still have the likes of Sevilla, Red Bull Leipzig, Lyon, West Ham United and Barcelona in there. After beating Dortmund, however, they will fancy their chances of causing further upsets.
Celtic head to Tannadice on Scottish Cup business. Is Ange Postecoglou closing in on a first season Treble?
KEITH: He’s getting very close but the hardest yards are still ahead, possibly starting on Tayside. However this season ends, the big Aussie has made a massive impact and has one trophy in the bag already. Showdowns with Rangers will make or break his hopes of winning the top flight.
MICHAEL: He’s in the hunt but there’s a reason Trebles are fairly rare. It will come down to two Old Firm league games and a potential cup collision between the two. They’ll both end up with silver but who knows which ones.
ANDY: It’s still too early to make that kind of prediction and Ange certainly won’t be making any bold statements about a clean sweep. But if Celtic keep churning out results like they have of late then their prospects look good.
SCOTT: Celtic will be targeting a treble. I would say that the trip to Tannadice could be one of their toughest hurdles. If United get it right, the way they did against Rangers at home, then we could well have a Scottish Cup shock on our hands.
Has Jim Goodwin blundered by allowing Scott Brown to leave Aberdeen?
KEITH: It’s a strange one. Brown might be turning 37 this summer but he’s still one of the best in the business in this league - and a huge influence inside the Dons dressing room. The whole thing smacks of a personality clash and Goodwin being unhappy that the skipper was interviewed for his old job in Paisley.
MICHAEL: Brown looks more than capable of doing a job on and off the field but you’ve for to allow Jim Goodwin to paddle his own canoe at Pittodrie. He’s got a big job on his hands and it’s fair enough to want a fresh slate.
ANDY: Judging by where the Dons sit in the table, you’ve got to say no. Neither his on-field performances or contributions behind the scenes have done much to arrest their worrying slide. If Goodwin wasn’t planning on utilising his coaching services then he was right to part ways with the former Scotland captain.
SCOTT: I would think it was more about Jim Goodwin making an early mark on his Aberdeen squad and looking to rebuild. Goodwin wants to play a high energy and tempo game and Scott Brown no longer has the legs for that. It also frees up a major chunk of wages at Pittodrie.
It’s Cheltenham week. Where’s your money going on day one?
KEITH: Almost certainly down the stank as per usual. But Davy Russell is the key to happiness. He’s ridden more winners at Cheltenham than any other jockey. If he’s on it, it’s probably worth a punt.
MICHAEL: Saint Sam in the Arkle is going to sneak us a few quid on day one.
ANDY: Most likely straight into the bookie’s back pocket but Constitution Hill in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at 1.30pm looks well priced at 9/4.
SCOTT: I would go Floeur in Ultima, Tellmesonethinggirl in the Mares and Dysart Dynamo in the Supreme.
