Will Rangers overturn the two-goal deficit and advance past USG?
KEITH JACKSON: It certainly isn’t beyond them to turn this tie around despite last week’s shambolic first leg but the early signs have not been great for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s big rebuild. He needs his team to click into gear on Tuesday.
ANDY NEWPORT: It depends which Rangers shows up. If its the one who floundered in Flanders last week then no but if they can summon the spirit that took them all the way to Seville, they may have a chance. The Belgians were shambolic against Mechelen...
CRAIG SWAN: Rangers have been strong at Ibrox in Europe recently and a repeat of some of last season’s home shows should be enough.
SCOTT BURNS: Yes. It will be a tough task but not impossible. Playing in front of a packed Ibrox could really spook the Belgian new boys, while having Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos back will also give them extra firepower.
Will Dundee United advance past AZ Alkmaar?
KEITH: On the evidence of the first leg, United have a great chance. Jack Ross has put together an exciting mix of youth and experience and the 1-0 win at Tannadice was no accident. There’s more than enough reason to believe United can do it.
ANDY: They’ve given themselves a great chance but with only a one-goal lead I fear it might not be enough. Let’s hope I’m wrong.
CRAIG: United are going to spring a surprise on AZ and dig out a superb away performance in the Netherlands to reach the next stage.
SCOTT: They can. It will take another big second leg performance but United will also believe they can score in Holland. Jack Ross’s team also has good experience. Dylan Levitt could again be key.
Should Steven Hammell get the Motherwell job?
KEITH: That depends on who is in frame but there’s no question Hammell’s served a very strong apprenticeship as a coach at Fir Park. He’s also got the fans on his side despite Saturday’s defeat against St Johnstone so he’d start from a decent position.
ANDY: He knows the club inside out but given the mess that has been left behind by Graham Alexander, the Steelmen might be better off going for someone with more experience before a worrying situation becomes an irreparable one.
CRAIG: There can’t be any harm in giving him a go. Hammell has done the hard yards at the club and, if it doesn’t work, there could still be time to rectify the situation.
SCOTT: His standing as a player would give him the backing of the Well support. I still think it’s a bit early but it could work with him alongside a more experienced appointment, like Billy Davies. I’d like to see Davies or Kevin Thomson get the nod.
If you were Celtic would you let James McCarthy leave?
KEITH: It’s a no brainer. Things have not worked out for McCarthy under Ange Postecoglou and there is little indication of that changing. Handing him a bumper deal last summer makes no more sense today than it did at the time.
ANDY: To paraphrase Princess Elsa from Frozen (spot the dad!), Let him go! McCarthy was a top talent in his younger days but injuries have taken their toll on his legs and he’s no longer mobile enough to make an impact.
CRAIG: Not unless Celtic sign another midfielder before the close of the window. Ange Postecoglou needs half a dozen for the rigours of domestic and European competition and McCarthy still has stuff to offer.
SCOTT: Celtic are quite happy to keep McCarthy. He might not be playing but he is a good player to have around and set standards. I don’t think Ange will be pushing him out the door.
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