The Record Sport team has weighed in on the major talking points in Scottish football, with Celtic's European struggles and Rangers' form among the key debates ahead of a busy weekend.
Celtic's European ambitions
After another Europa League defeat, the question was raised whether Celtic should park hopes of reaching the knockouts and focus on defending their Premiership crown. Andy Newport said no, arguing that would further antagonise a support already seething over the club's lack of progress on the continent. He added that wins breed wins and Celtic should take their domestic form into Europe to kick-start a run.
Michael Gannon agreed, stating Celtic need to claw back respect on the European stage and fight on both fronts, with throwing in the towel not an option. Scott McDermott noted that while Celtic are still in it with points to play for, they must try to reach the knockout phase, but acknowledged they are stuck in a middle ground of being too good for most Scottish teams yet not at the level to compete in Europe.
Rangers' response needed
Rangers are looking to launch another winning run after their draw at Dundee, with debate over whether Derek McInnes should spice up his starting XI. Andy Newport blamed Dan Neil and Dujon Sterling for the dropped points, noting Manny Fernandez was out of position for both goals, and called for Ben Godfrey to get a run out.
Michael Gannon said McInnes has had a settled side recently with little wrong, and Rangers can prove Dundee was just a bump against a decent side. Scott McDermott expects McInnes to go back to two strikers with Kevin Kelsy recalled alongside Ryan Naderi, while Badredine Bouanani deserves to keep his place after a terrific performance against Dundee, and Ben Godfrey should get a run-out in defence.
Motherwell under pressure
Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson welcomes Hearts to Fir Park hoping to avoid a sixth straight defeat. Andy Newport said the Swede is being judged to a higher standard than previous Fir Park gaffers due to last season's achievements under Jens Berthel Askou, with the team moving away from last season's successful style of play.
Michael Gannon said Johansson will be under pressure but Motherwell are not a club that makes knee-jerk reactions, adding it was always going to be tough to pick up from where Askou left off, especially with star men departing. Scott McDermott said Johansson won't be under serious pressure from his bosses who will give him time, but the support, who idolised Askou, need to see an upturn in performances soon.
Bruno Fernandes fallout
The jury also discussed Bruno Fernandes' antics at Old Trafford after he criticised Manchester Utd boss Michael Carrick's tactics. Andy Newport said it doesn't surprise him, calling Fernandes a selfish player more concerned about himself than the team, and suggested Carrick might not survive but neither should the Portuguese.
Michael Gannon described it as wild, with Fernandes lobbing his boss under the bus and Carrick unlikely to survive much longer, adding the skipper is part of the problem. Scott McDermott said Fernandes' antics after their defeat to Como in the Champions League are symptomatic of everything wrong at Man United, with big ego stars who don't want to graft and blame everyone else when results go bad.
