Celtic hold a three-goal lead over LASK after the first leg, but the Jury warns there is still work to do before the tie is secured. The panel addressed four key questions facing Scottish football this week, including the progress of Conference League hopefuls, Dundee's top-six credentials, and potential Scotland squad picks.
Celtic's Champions League Hopes
Andy Newport believes Celtic should progress, noting their free-scoring form, but admits it "might get a tad hairy given the number of chances they continue to offer up opponents." Michael Gannon points to "mental scars from previous nerve-shredding second legs in Israel and Kazakhstan," though he expects Martin O'Neill's men to get the goal that sees them through.
Ryan McDonald says Celtic are "almost there" but warns their "dodgy away record" means they need to be disciplined and avoid conceding an early goal. Ross Pilcher agrees, highlighting that LASK started the first leg well and "cut Celtic open a couple of times in the opening minutes." He expects Celtic to score and see it through.
Conference League Prospects
The panel assessed the chances of Rangers, Hibs, Hearts, and Motherwell reaching the competition proper. Andy Newport sees Rangers beating "a pretty ordinary Jablonec side" and Hibs getting the job done at home to Gent, but calls winning in Vienna "a huge ask" for Hearts, while Motherwell face a mountain to climb.
Michael Gannon believes it is "the end of the line for Motherwell" but expects Rangers to finish the job. Hearts "might come up just short," while Hibs can enjoy a memorable night at Easter Road. Ryan McDonald fears for Hearts and sees Motherwell's road ending, while Ross Pilcher thinks two of the four is "probably more realistic," noting Motherwell need a miracle and Hearts face a tough test in Vienna.
Dundee's Top-Six Credentials
After another derby win under Steven Pressley, the panel considered whether Dundee are top-six contenders. Andy Newport says they will be "in with a great shout" if they continue, praising Pressley for making critics "eat a hefty slice of humble pie." Michael Gannon sees a shootout between the Dundee sides and Motherwell to join the traditional big five.
Ryan McDonald is emphatic, saying "Absolutely," and notes Dundee lost key players over the summer yet are "remarkably better this season." Ross Pilcher says there is no reason why not if they keep big players fit and maintain consistency, but warns games can "get away from them a bit" as they showed last season.
Scotland Squad Contenders
Asked which overlooked stars Seb Pocognoli should consider for his first Scotland squad, the panel named several. Andy Newport highlights Robbie Ure as a potential frontman, noting he has settled in Spain, and mentions Oli McBurnie's personality clash with Steve Clarke and Colby Donovan's development at Celtic.
Michael Gannon suggests Kieron Bowie, Lennon Miller, and Robbie Ure should get a shot, with Colby Donovan one to watch and Oli McBurnie due a return. Ryan McDonald says goal machine Robbie Ure must be in the squad, with Oli McBurnie deserving a clean slate and Stephen Welsh in contention. Ross Pilcher calls Ure "a no-brainer" given his form before leaving Sirius for Sevilla, and adds Luke Graham and Josh McPake as potential options.
