Do Inverness have any chance of stopping Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic from claiming a treble and what is your Scottish Cup final prediction?
KEITH JACKSON: Nope. Billy Dodds will give it his best shot but Celtic got back into their stride on Saturday and when they’re in the mood there’s not a team in the top flight that can live with them, never mind the second tier. It’s a mission impossible for the Highlanders.
CRAIG SWAN: Inverness need Celtic to be off it and the champions looked back in the mood against Aberdeen. You suspect an early goal from the favourites and a procession.
SCOTT BURNS: It probably would be one of the biggest Scottish Cup final wins of all time if Inverness were to win. That is not being disrespectful to Inverness. They are a good Championship side but Celtic have been too good for the Premiership. I would expect Celtic to win by two or three.
FRASER WILSON: It’s pretty close to mission impossible for the Caley Jags I’m afraid. Unless something major goes in their favour like an early red card for Celtic then there’s just too big a gulf in quality. Not that Billy Dodds will agree mind you, he’ll be saying the exact opposite, that it’s 11 v 11, and quite right too.
Stevie Naismith was brought in to deliver third place for Hearts. He could only get fourth. Should Hearts look elsewhere or has he done enough to get the Tynecastle manager’s job?
KEITH: Naismith’s relationship with Ann Budge might be close enough to get him the gig. But it’s hard to see how this can be regarded as an upgrade on Robbie Neilson. On the contrary, it feels like another in a long list of unfathomable decisions by the club’s top brass.
CRAIG: Naismith has not done enough. Hearts need to go and find a new manager with more experience.
SCOTT: It would be a risk to give it to Naismith and I would probably look towards a more experienced manager. The Hearts board has certainly looked at other candidates, like John Kennedy. Naismith wasn’t able to deliver third, which was a big blow and could well cost him the chance.
FRASER: Naismith’s done a decent job and brought in a more attacking style in just seven games in charge. It would be a gamble but any appointment comes with that element of risk. He’s probably done enough to get the gig as most of the damage in the failed bid for third was done before he took over.
Can Partick Thistle win the play-off final? They have done well under Kris Doolan but can they finish the job and make the Premiership?
KEITH: Thistle have certainly got momentum on their side and a happy habit of hitting the back of the net. That makes them dangerous underdogs going into the big shootout. They should not be taken lightly.
CRAIG: Partick have goals in their team and that is going to give them a fighting chance with momentum also on their side. It's the defensive side which will decide whether or not they can win this play-off.
SCOTT: There is no doubt Partick Thistle will go into the final as the form team. The schedule means they will be slightly fresher, as the Championship team, but I still think there is a gulf between the top two leagues and the Premiership outfit will be too strong.
FRASER: Absolutely. Momentum is a big thing in football and the Jags have it in spades. Sixteen goals in four play-off ties is sensational and every one of Doolan’s players are on top form right now.
Jim Goodwin has been appointed Dundee United manager on a permanent basis. Can he bring United back to the Premiership at the first time of asking?
KEITH: Again, it’s difficult to understand the logic behind this decision. Goodwin has just endured the season from hell and has overseen a disaster at United, taking down a team which was way too talented for the drop. His managerial credentials now hinge on him getting them back up at the first attempt. He’ll need to get off to a strong start.
SCOTT: He failed to deliver in terms of keeping Dundee United up. What I would say is there has been far too many managerial changes at Tannadice lately. There needs to be stability. Goodwin has a decent signing record and this summer will be key to a Premiership return.
CRAIG: Goodwin has been given an opportunity and much will depend on the budget and who he can keep. They will be favourites.
FRASER: He’ll certainly be expected to but a lot will come down to his summer recruitment as there are too many players at Tannadice who don’t produce anywhere near consistently enough. It’ll be a slog but I’d back Goodwin to get it right next season after a nightmare campaign this time round.
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