Gio van Bronckhorst and Borna Barisic both say they are - but do you think Rangers are still a credible title contender?
ANDY NEWPORT: They’re a long way back and while there have been plenty previous occasions when teams have overturned a seven-point deficit, there’s little hope for Rangers unless drastic changes are made at Ibrox. If van Bronckhorst stays, he needs funds to rebuild in January.
SCOTT BURNS: The Rangers camp has to put that message out because there are still plenty of points to play for. But it will be extremely unlikely unless Rangers’ form improves dramatically.
FRASER WILSON: There’s 24 games to go so, of course. But they’re going to have to get through the rest of the season with minimum dropped points and at the moment that doesn’t look possible. They need Connor Goldson and Tom Lawrence back from injury in top form and a strong January transfer window.
Are Celtic right not to release any players for international friendlies next week?
ANDY: They are well within their rights given FIFA have decided not to mark next week’s dates in the official international calendar. In any case, Steve Clarke knows exactly what the Parkhead contingent can offer and should instead be using the clash with Turkey to test out his fringe men.
SCOTT: The problem is that it is an international friendly and Celtic are under no obligation to release their players. Celtic are also trying to promote their brand in Australia so they will want to send as strong a squad as they can down under. I don’t really have an issue with what has happened.
FRASER: FIFA have caused the issue and it’s the players I feel for. I’d be wanting another cap in my collection even if it’s a friendly. Imagine if one of these players ends up one appearance short of a Hall of Fame place. Celtic can’t be blamed for wanting to take a strong squad to Sydney.
VAR has now been in play for three weeks in the Premiership but are you a fan?
ANDY: Of the technology, yes, but not the way it’s being implemented so far. Already there are signs some refs are deferring to their colleagues in the booth to make the big calls instead of doing it themselves. while the length of time it’s taking to reach a final verdict is far too long too. Things should improve with practise and they must.
SCOTT: I have had VAR incidents in the last three games. I know it has its critics but I think it adds something and if we don’t use it then the Scottish game will be left behind. I do think something needs to be introduced to involve the fans during the reviews.
FRASER: Horrendous, Ian Maxwell was spot on with his warning. At Livingston on Tuesday there were three big penalty calls and on each occasion those in the stands were clueless as to what was going on. However, the biggest problem is the handball rule which needs rewritten asap to protect defenders in blatantly accidental instances.
Kilmarnock have sunk to the bottom of the table after three defeats on the spin - are they favourites to go down?
ANDY: The numbers so far don’t look good for Derek McInnes. His side have taken just one point from eight games away from home, are averaging less than a goal a game in attack and have the second worst defence in the league. That’s adds up to trouble.
SCOTT: I was at Tannadice on Wednesday and they were awful. If they continue to play like that then they will go down. They, however, seem a different team at Rugby Park while a lot can happen in the January transfer window.
FRASER: Another club needing a big January transfer window. Derek McInnes knows exactly what’s required in this league though and I’d expect him to make three or four key signings to pull Killie clear. As for who goes down.. not a clue!
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