Is this the start of the Wilfried Nancy fightback at Celtic?
Michael Gannon: He must have felt he was doomed when the Dons levelled but there were some real positive signs in the performance and result against Aberdeen. Nancy has a way to go but he’s bought some breathing space.
Gavin Berry: The champions could have won by a cricket score and that will at least keep those calling for his head quiet for the time being. But the Frenchman faces two tough back to back away games and we’ll know more about where the Hoops are heading under his stewardship after those trips to Livingston and Motherwell.
Scott McDermott : In football, it’s amazing how certain moments can spark something. Nancy will hope Kieran Tierney’s late goal against Aberdeen can do just that. It was a vital win for the Frenchman but the pressure is still on to keep it going with Hearts flying.
Andy Newport: He’ll have to hope it’s a turning point but it appears that there is still huge work to be done to get this side back into championship shape. In the meantime, any more slip ups will see the pressure rise on the Frenchman.
Can Danny Rohl still fire Rangers all the way to the Premiership title?
Michael Gannon: It’s looking increasingly unlikely but let’s not declare any champions just yet. They’ve still got a game in hand on Hearts and a January window. But put it this way, no one should be betting the house on the title going to Ibrox this term.
Gavin Berry: It’s over and out for the Ibrox side. To close a 12-point gap on Hearts in the remaining games would require a team able to go on a lengthy winning run and the German simply doesn’t have the quality at his disposal to put that kind of sequence together.
Scott McDermott: That now looks highly unlikely. He had to get a positive result against Hearts at Tynecastle and make a statement of intent. Individual errors and lapses in concentration prevented that and cost them yet again. They’re in a scrap just to finish second.
Andy Newport: That always looked a long shot because of the damage done by the Russell Martin misadventure. Rohl’s priority now should be rebuilding this team ahead of next season.
Should Tony Bloom and the Hearts go all out in January to push for the title?
Michael Gannon: Bloom’s 10 year plan is already nine years ahead of schedule and he must be tempted to push the boat out. The title is there for the taking as the Old Firm will never be this vulnerable.
Gavin Berry: The Brighton supremo has already explained that won’t be possible due to his controlling stake in Belgians Union St Gilloise and UEFA rules around dual club ownership but they can still be smart in the January window – with ins and outs – to give themselves a real shot at history.
Scott McDermott: He can’t put any more money into the Tynecastle coffers but with his Jamestown Analytics he can unearth a few more gems for Derek McInnes to bolster his squad. If the Jambos are to stay top, that will be absolutely key.
Andy Newport: Derek McInnes admits himself that his side needs to strengthen. The Hearts have a huge chance to do something special. Now is not the time to stand still. They don’t want to be left cursing the fact they did not make the most of this opportunity.
How far can Motherwell go this season under Jans Berthel Askou?
Michael Gannon: The Steelmen are flying under the great Dane and the best part is their run looks like it’s build on solid foundations. It’s a big ask maintaining it all season but a top four finish could be on the cards.
Gavin Berry: That Dane has done an incredible job and if they had turned a few of those nine draws into wins could have been in an even better position going into the festive period. For anyone who consider Rangers still to be in a title race then why not the Steelmen who are two points in front, albeit having played a game more? But they don’t have the squad depth of those around them or the finances to strenghten in January and, realistically, fourth is probably their best hope.
Scott McDermott: They’ve gone completely under the radar at the top end of the table but the run they’re on is incredible, especially given the resources he’s got. If Well can secure a European spot this season, it would be a remarkable debut campaign for Askou.
Andy Newport: A return to European action next term looks more than realistic for a team that are 10 games unbeaten and who haven’t conceded a goal in six league matches. Keep that up and they might even push the Premiership pacesetters.
