The Monday Jury are back to run the rule over all the big questions in Scottish football and beyond
ANDY:It is difficult to say, as the most of the new recruits are still unproven players who will require some time to become used to Scotland. But Connor Barron, who moved from Aberdeen, should get settled in right away, and I anticipate seeing him do so soon.
SCOTT: In this league, Connor Barron has the most experience. He is aware of what is required, and it is evident that he is ready to go. Others may need some time to acclimate.
KEITH JACKSON: Get ready, people. England is playing in Berlin and has another opportunity to avenge all Scottish fears. The good news is that they will lose badly again when they play a respectable team, like France or Spain. My bet is on the Spanish to win once more.
See what happens when we unintentionally invite John McGinn’s relatives to contrast him with other players at Euro 2024 (1)
Andy Newport: Spain, who have won the tournament thus far, will be confident that they can defeat the French and advance to face England, who will undoubtedly stifle the Dutch in their semifinal match. Fortunately, Southgate’s stuffy tactics don’t seem to be able to contain La Liga wonderkids Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, saving us all the agony of a Three Lions victory.
SCOTT BURNS: While Spain has been the most entertaining side to watch, both France and England have advanced despite having subpar performances. If that trend doesn’t continue, I’d be shocked. When it comes down to it, I still believe the French will prevail.
Can Celtic do better, or should they sign Paulo Bernardo?
KEITH: Bernardo has hinted at his ability to be a significant player at Parkhead in brief moments. That makes him worth taking a chance on. But since he’s not close to the finished product, the pricing would need to be reasonable.
Andy: Only if the financial terms make sense. The Portuguese star briefly demonstrated his offensive danger, but not nearly enough to match Benfica’s valuation of £6 million. If you can negotiate a few million dollars off the price, it’s a deal worth going for.
SCOTT: I wouldn’t spend a lot of money on him as a player. Although he hasn’t exactly reached the pinnacles at Celtic, he has potential. He could, but I wouldn’t throw in the towel to win him over. Without a doubt, I wouldn’t spend more than £4 million.
Next week is the commencement of the Premier Sports Cup group stage. Who do you predict will prevail?
KEITH: Celtic is back in control now that Brendan Rodgers has successfully completed a difficult rookie campaign and won a second league title. There’s going to be a dominant season, and it will begin with putting the season’s first trophy in the cabinet.
ANDY: The Old Firm will once again be the favorites, but teams like Aberdeen and Hearts should give this competition greater importance. Hearts failed to get past the semi-finals of the previous season, thus the Dons cannot truly claim to have challenged Rangers in the championship game.
SCOTT: Celtic and Rangers are sure to win. Aberdeen and Hearts both have the ability to be dark horses, in my opinion.
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