MONDAY JURY 1
Our top writers give their verdicts on the burning issues as we gear up for another big week in Scottish football at home and in the European arena
The Old Firm march on in Europe but how do you rate their chances of progressing from the groups they landed in the draw on Friday?
Highly. Celtic have got it tough but coasted through a group last season that was arguably even more daunting. Rangers, meanwhile, continue to make impressively light work of teams at this level. There’s a great chance both will make the knockout rounds again. 2 It’s hard to argue against them. When people are allowed to get back into pubs, planes, shopping centres and restaurants it’s clear the politicians have made the decision to make football wait. They’re faced with some tough choices but this has clearly been one of them.
It will not be easy. Celtic have, arguably, a tougher draw and might find it tougher to progress. But they did it last year and Rangers can also emulate their excellent success and progress to the knockout phase.
Given their respective form in this competition, why not? Celtic’s draw is certainly tougher on paper and they didn’t get much luck considering they were in Pot One but both can definitely progress.
They both should be aiming to get out of the groups. Rangers look to have the slightly easier draw and there’s no reason to think they can’t get through. Celtic’s task looks tougher but it’s a similar section to last season and they can achieve a similar result.
Neil Doncaster and Mike Mulraney came out with all guns blazing at the weekend, claiming that keeping fans out of grounds was a political decision rather than one based on the science. Agree or disagree?
The language was strong, but so it should be. Sports fans aren’t asking to be given special treatment. They can go to a pub or a restaurant and can’t go to a game or an event. That’s just not right.
Agree and after being careful not to rock the boat to ensure the season got the green light to start the football authorities clearly feel it’s time to ditch the softly-softly approach with the government’s stance.
It’s been a handy headline grabber for politicians to clamp football but it’s not exactly a vote winner. It’s bizarre we can watch football in bars and even in cinemas but not in grounds though. The clubs have put in a power of work to have some fans in safely and Holyrood has to take note.
It’s international week. Has Lyndon Dykes done enough in his two outings for Scotland to hang on to the striker’s slot?