Rangers have signed a multitude of players this summer, but on early evidence, they are no better than the side that finished third last year, according to Record Sport's top team. In a wide-ranging debate, Andy Newport, Michael Gannon, and Fraser Wilson also discussed Celtic's Champions League readiness, Hearts' revival under Wouter Vrancken, and Scotland's Conference League prospects.
Rangers' recruitment under scrutiny
Andy Newport said: "No, if anything they look worse than Russell Martin's side at this stage last season. Gers have three weeks of the window left to drastically ramp up their recruitment drive or this could be another grim campaign for the Ibrox support."
Michael Gannon added: "On current evidence they are worse. The recruitment is a real concern as they have signed a lot of players who don't look up to being nailed on starters, so the next three or four in the door will have to be. The only question the recruitment team had to ask before each signing was, would they get into the Celtic team? Very few – if any – would, and that is a major concern."
Fraser Wilson noted: "Last year the question was over mentality but now it appears to be ability that's lacking and they seem to have taken a step back from the side Danny Rohl had pushing for a title challenge in April. It's early days and injuries certainly haven't helped Derek McInnes. But he needs to get this time firing starting tomorrow."
Celtic's Champions League play-off
On Celtic's Champions League play-off against LASK, Andy said: "He should have enough to get through this round, especially thanks to the upgrades up top. But improvements will be needed if they reach the group stage."
Michael said: "They'll need to be. The new arrivals will help but they could have done with a few weeks extra to prepare and losing Arne Engels at this stage would be a huge blow, along with Alistair Johnston being out. Celtic should still have enough to get through the tie but there is a bit more jeopardy than there needed to be."
Fraser said: "The transfers are starting to flow and added to the return of Cameron Carter-Vickers they seem to be in good shape. Alistair Johnston would be a serious worry if he is missing through injury though. Celtic should still have enough firepower to get through."
Hearts' progress under Vrancken
On Hearts' chances of splitting the Old Firm, Andy said: "There's every chance with Rangers again engulfed in chaos. It's been a bruising start for the Belgian in Gorgie but if they can come through this period, it should stiffen their resolve for the battle ahead."
Michael said: "There might be about four teams splitting the Old Firm the way Rangers are going. It's a big ask for Hearts to be up challenging after losing so many key men but this will be a long term project. Vrancken was handed a snider of a start but there are positive signs things are coming together. Jambos should be optimistic."
Fraser said: "Vrancken's front foot style is starting to click and new signings Tom Renaud, Calvin Miller and Sabri Guendouz are getting better with each game. They were really impressive against Dundee United and Thursday's draw with Benfica will have raised confidence further. Get a goalscoring striker in and who knows how far this side could go?"
Conference League play-off predictions
Four Scottish teams contest next week's Conference League play-offs. Andy said: "Motherwell are the form team of the four but have it tough against Freiberg. Hibs and Hearts might struggle too. Rangers should progress but given how things are going at Ibrox it would be no surprise if they crashed out again."
Michael said: "Hearts, Hibs and Motherwell have been handed pretty horrible ties and it's hard to see all three managing to survive. Hearts might be the ones to spring a surprise. Rangers should beat Jablonec, but that was also the case against Jagiellonia. Two teams in the group is the hope but we might need to watch from behind the couch."
Fraser said: "I fancy Hearts to deal with Rapid Vienna and Rangers simply can't afford to crash out to Jablonec .. but we've heard that before. Motherwell have been outstanding but a tie against Europa League runners-up Freiburg will be a step too far as will Hibs' clash with Gent. Two from four wouldn't be the worst."
