Brendan Rodgers’ current Celtic team versus his Invincibles from 2016/17, how does it go?
KEITH JACKSON: There’s not a lot between the starting sides but there’s no question his squad is stronger this time around. Celtic are in a better place now than they were when Rodgers first arrived.
CRAIG SWAN: That’s a tough one. At their heights, both are sensational with different characters. A match between them would go to extra-time and penalties.
ANDY NEWPORT: That’s a tough one but I’d plumb for the Invincibles now based on they have the records and silverware in the bag while this current team has a long way to go to live up to the remarkable achievements of 2017.
MICHAEL GANNON: It would be some game, that’s for sure. The current side might just shade a five goal thriller, mainly because Rodgers 2024 has taken the intensity of Angeball and added the discipline of the Invincibles.
Are Rangers back in with a realistic shout of winning the title?
KEITH: No. Right now it’s all about steadying the ship for Philippe Clement and trying to stay within touching distance of their rivals at the top of the table. He’s making progress but there’s a long road ahead.
CRAIG: Rangers should have too much for the rest if they perform, but getting the better of Celtic is a different prospect altogether. They’d need to win Old Firm games to be classed as contenders.
ANDY:Rangers proved last year that they could fight their way back into contention after a wretched start but their resurgence after Clement’s arrival was aided by Celtic’s festive slump. I’m not sure we’ll see that this time round. The Hoops are on a roll and looking to get stronger still.
MICHAEL: Rangers should forget about the title race right now. It’s about continuing to build momentum and showing signs of progress. They can deal with everyone but they’ll need to find a way to deal with Celtic and that still looks some way off.
Do you fear for St Johnstone’s top-flight survival?
KEITH: Yes. The best thing they’ve got going for them right now is Hearts. Having talked Scott Brown out of taking the job, Adam Webb has to hope he lands lucky with his choice.
CRAIG: Saints need an inspired appointment because sides around them such as Ross County will fight and pick up points. It’s a worrying time for them.
ANDY: There’s still a long way to go but they must get their next pick as manager right. However, they’ve already been knocked back by Scott Brown and Tiernan Lynch so that should set alarm bells rining in Perth.
MICHAEL: It looks a grim situation at McDiarmid Park and they’ve now had more knock backs than a drunk at the dancing. The new boss will need to work miracles to keep this side out of bother as the other sides near the bottom look better equipped to get out of it.
How will the Scottish teams fare in Europe this week?
KEITH: Celtic will have their work cut out in Dortmund even if the Germans are struggling for form. A point on the road would represent a terrific result. Rangers would settle for a similar result at home to Lyon. But it looks like another difficult night for Hearts against Minsk.
CRAIG: Tough for the lot of them. Celtic and Hearts have their work cut out on the road and it’s no easier for Rangers against Lyon at Ibrox. Any wins would be great.
ANDY : Celtic have been on fire this season but I suspect they’ll need their best display yet if they are to scale the yellow wall in Dortmund. Rangers should fancy their chances of lamping a struggling Lyon side after their result in Malmo last week. As for Hearts, well ordinarily you’d fancy their chances against Dinamo Minsk but you get the feeling they’d bite your hand off for a draw right now.
MICHAEL: Hearts might be toiling but they are up against a side that got papped out of the Europa League by Lincoln Red Imps so can collect at least a point. Celtic are up against it but can give Dortmund a scare, and maintain momentum, even if they don’t quite pull off a result. Rangers have a tough one as well, regardless of Lyon’s wobbly domestic form, but they can take a draw to the bank.