Philippe Clement told the minimum Rangers requirement to survive by Jury as Kyogo gets unanimous Celtic exit verdict
Where can you see a Scottish Cup shock this weekend?
Michael Gannon: It will be worth keeping an eye on Borough Briggs. Aberdeen might think the tie with Elgin is a chance to get back to winning ways. But with the Darvel nightmare still in the memory, this could be a difficult clash for the Dons.
Andy Newport: Given the form of Aberdeen, the spotlight will be on Jimmy Thelin’s side as they head to Elgin – but it would be an altogether bigger nightmare than the ones the Dons are having if they lose to the League Two outfit.
Fraser Wilson: St Mirren could find the going tough at Queen of the South. But an even bigger shock would be Aberdeen losing at Elgin and, given the way the Dons are playing, that’s not out of the question.
Is lifting the Scottish Cup enough to keep Philippe Clement in a job?
Michael Gannon: Clement has been the comeback kid at Rangers. Every time he seems on the brink, he gets a couple of wins. The board are buying time but it’s only delaying the inevitable and there will be a major change in the summer.
Andy Newport: He needs to give the Rangers faithful – and his Ibrox paymasters – performances and results that show something resembling progress. I’d say a cup win was almost a necessity.
Fraser Wilson: It’s probably needed. If the cup is won and if performances pick up in the league then, combined with a run in Europe, it could convince the board Clement has made progress with a reduced squad. That’s a lot of ‘ifs’ though.
Is there a chance Celtic will cash in on Kyogo?
Michael Gannon: There shouldn’t be. Kyogo is still the main man at Celtic and the club can’t afford to let him go with so much still at stake.
Andy Newport: There’s been moments where it’s looked like the striker has passed his peak – then he scores a double at Ross County. Celtic have been good at making the right call on when to sell. Unless the cash is right, they should stand firm on Kyogo.
Fraser Wilson: Celtic seem to time these things well. That’s been the benchmark for their player trading model but Kyogo is different. He’s their best striker and would be hard to replace. They should keep him til at least the summer.
How much pressure is Jimmy Thelin under?
Michael Gannon: The incredible start to the season has given him a buffer zone but this nosedive can’t go on. He needs his new signings to get up and running and, having been backed with big money, he needs results or the heat will be on.
Andy Newport: Questions certainly need to be asked of the Swede. He was given bundles of praise early doors when his team were flying, so it’s only fair that he faces scrutiny now that results have vanished.
Fraser Wilson: Huge pressure to win again. Twelve without a win is brutal and the last three outings have been turgid. Goals have dried up, the defence is brittle and the style doesn’t suit the players. Thelin has to turn things around pronto.
