How big a threat is the European Super League to the fabric of the game in Scotland and beyond?
SCOTT BURNS: I’m not sure how big a threat it is at all. I don’t honestly see it happening. I think UEFA will move the goalposts with the Champions League to ensure that it doesn’t happen. I genuinely don’t see it having too much of an impact on the domestic front.
GORDON PARKS: Let them get on with it as it’s inevitable that huge clubs are always going to close ranks and try and chase the money on offer in a closed shop. Scottish football will survive without the Old Firm, it’ll be on par with the Scandinavian leagues.
MICHAEL GANNON: The football landscape is heading for major change. There will be a European Super League at some point, but it’s more likely to come from UEFA buckling from the pressure from within. The domestic game could be doomed.
Should Celtic be already thinking about life beyond Ange Postecoglou regardless of what happens with Leeds United?
SCOTT: All big clubs should have contingency plans in place. Celtic would be mad to think that other clubs from bigger leagues wouldn’t be looking at Ange. I would say that it would take a big club and not your average run of the mill club like Leeds United to prise him away.
GORDON: Yes. Like every other Celtic manager before him in recent times, he’ll be gone shortly and that’s the price of success at the Old Firm. Regardless of what he says, he’d an eye on England before he even arrived here.
MICHAEL: Celtic need to slap a bumper new contract in front of Postecoglou as a reward and an insurance policy. The Aussie will go eventually so they also need to have half an eye on who could be the next man for the gig.
What do you make of Livingston and Dundee United deciding to switch off the VAR for their Scottish Cup ties?
SCOTT: We should either have VAR at all the games or none at all! Why would the home club want to spend £10,000 per game when they already have to split the gate? That is before you go into some of the recent VAR decisions. It could end up costing you on and off the park.
GORDON: Hopefully the goals will be celebrated with instantaneous joy again.
MICHAEL: You can’t blame them as VAR has not exactly worked a treat so far and it is seen as an unnecessary expense. But you just know there will be a controversial moment in at least one of the games that might have taken another look.
Where should we look for the big shock – or shocks – in the Scottish Cup this weekend?
SCOTT: The two that standout for me are Motherwell at Raith Rovers and Darvel at home to Falkirk. ‘Well are in free fall and Rovers will fancy their chances. Darvel have already beaten higher opposition in the last round.
GORDON: Look no further than Starks Park, Raith Rovers have all the credentials for a shock and to add more misery to the Lanarkshire side.
MICHAEL: The Darvel dream is not done yet. They can cause another upset against Falkirk and then land one of the really big boys in the last eight.
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