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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Saturday Jury

Will Celtic give Rangers title hope before Parkhead blockbuster? Our roundtable debate the burning issues

Will there be any twists and turns in the title race this weekend?

David McCarthy: All eyes are on Dingwall where Celtic won in the 97th minute last time. It’ll be a test for them but Rangers will also have it tough without Roofe and Morelos at Fir Park today. Narrow wins for both, I reckon.

Michael Gannon: Rangers should get three points at Fir Park but Celtic’s trip to Ross County looks treacherous. Malky Mackay’s side are probably the fourth best side in the country for form. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Celtic needed to go late again.

Scott Burns: I don't see it. I think Rangers will take first blood against Motherwell and Ross County will push Celtic all the way but I still think Ange Postecoglou ’s side will take the points.

The sacking of Shaun Maloney shocked Scottish football. Did Hibs act too quickly?

DM: Much too quickly. Ron Gordon made the call to appoint him and should have had the courage of his convictions to give him far longer than 19 games. Then again, he shouldn’t have binned Jack Ross in the first place.

MG: It looks harsh on Shaun Maloney – just as it was harsh to punt Jack Ross before him. Hibs were toiling but it’s brutal when the guy never even got a proper transfer window and lost his main goal threats.

(SNS Group)

SB: You'd have thought after his appointment he’d have got more time and another transfer window. I also accept that results weren’t good enough and season ticket sales also weren’t great, so I can see why Hibs decided to make a change.

At the other end of the table, Dundee v St Johnstone is massive. Who will win and why?

DM: I can't see anything other than a tight, tense battle that will end in a draw. That would be far of more use to Saints
than Dundee.

MG: Dundee. Saints have shown a bit of form and it looks ominous for the Dens men. But Mark McGhee gave us a chuckle with his heating and fasting nonsense this week. It might help take some of the pressure off and lift the mood.

SB: It is a big one. I can see it being a draw, which suits St Johnstone more than Dundee, although the Perth side
will still have ambitions to finish outside the bottom two. Dundee really need to win.

In England, Erik ten Hag has been announced as Manchester United manager for next season. Will he succeed where so many others have failed?

DM: it depends on your definition of success. He can make them better if given time but United are miles – or years – away from getting close to Liverpool or Manchester City.

MG: Next to no chance. Ten Hag was a great fit for Ajax but it’s a different ball game at United. It needs a complete clear- out and rebuild but he won’t be given time like Fergie in the 1980s. He’ll be lucky to make it to Christmas.

(REUTERS)

SB: United have appointed a lot of proven managers and it hasn’t worked. There are issues at the club and in the dressing room. It will take a major overhaul and it will take time and money. He’ll certainly get the latter. Will he get the former?

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