09-08-2025
Rangers and Hibs lead coefficient turbo boost and Jury fancies Dundee Utd's chances too
Record Sport's top team run the rule over the big questions facing Scottish football to kick off your weekend
How do you now rate the Euro qualification chances of Rangers, Hibs and Dundee United?
CRAIG SWAN: Surely Rangers and Hibs have done enough with their superb first-keg displays. United are still in a dogfight, but what a wonderful chance they have given themselves after a superb effort in Vienna.
FRASER WILSON: A strong chance for a co-efficient turbo-boosting triple. And what a shot in the arm that would be for Scottish football. Rangers should ease through in Plzen and Hibs will have the know-how to finish off Partizan in Leith. The big question is can Dundee United beat Rapid Vienna at home over 90 minutes? The evidence of Thursday's first leg suggests they have a great chance.
SCOTT BURNS: Rangers and Hibs will definitely go through. Hopefully, Dundee United will make it the perfect hat-trick. Their tie is still in the balance and we saw what happened to Hibs after a good result in the away leg.
Do Rangers have to keep hold of Cyriel Dessers?
CRAIG: The Nigerian international has proven himself at Ibrox and, as well as goals, he has the strength and link-up play to bring flying wingers into the game. Yes.
FRASER: Unless they bring in a new goal threat then absolutely. From the early season evidence he remains the best striker at the club - and that from just one start.
SCOTT: I would take the money, if it was right. Yes, he scores goals but he also passes up too many chances. He is also getting to an age where they have to maximise his value.
Does Luke McCowan deserve a Celtic start at Aberdeen?
CRAIG: The midfielder is building a happy knack of making a real impact from the bench in terms of assists and goals. It's a tricky call for Brendan Rodgers. McCowan is worthy to start, but his ability to influence late is also key.
FRASER: Probably after last week's match winning appearance off the bench. But a knee-jerk reaction to one average performance on match day one might not be right here. McCowan could be useful as an option off the bench again if things aren't going Celtic's way at Pittodrie.
SCOTT: The midfielder is always there or thereabouts. This is the type of game where he could easily make an impact, but if I was a betting man I would say he will be on the bench.
Tony Bloom says Hearts will win a title within ten years... Is he right?
CRAIG: It is hard to argue against an individual with such an impressive track record in all walks of his life. One thing is for sure, it would breathe serious life into Scottish football.
FRASER: No. But it's great to hear ambition. Hearts will strengthen and appointing Derek McInnes as manager is every bit as important as Bloom's arrival. They will win silverware. But the league? Celtic and Rangers will strengthen over the same time frame so it's just too big a leap unfortunately.
SCOTT: We all love a bit of belief and confidence. The neutral would love to see them smash Celtic's monopoly. I am not convinced, but it would be great for our game, if it was to happen.
