Rangers boss Russell Martin

ANDY NEWPORT: If it was the fans making the decision, he’d have cleared his desk already. But the big unknown is how the new owners will react in the face of fans’ protests. If things go badly, the fans might turn their ire on the directors’ box.

SCOTT BURNS: The American owners have claimed they are appointing for the long term. This will be a real test. If Rangers lose, they will all be in the firing line – but what the club need is some form of long-term stability.

Will Brendan Rodgers rest players against Partick with an eye on Red Star?

MICHAEL: Rodgers tends to roll out his strongest teams even ahead of Euro games.But this looks like a chance to wrap Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kieran Tierney in cotton wool. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey might get alook in.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 20: Celtic’s Jahmai Simpson-Pusey arrives ahead of a UEFA Champions League Play-Offs First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Cetic Park, on August 20, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

ANDY: Expect Carter-Vickers and Daizen Maeda to sit out the tie with Jags. New recruits like Kelechi Iheanacho, Sebastian Tounekti and Marcelo Saracchi could do with getting some minutes under their belts.

SCOTT: Surely this the kind of game to get Iheanacho minutes and up and running ahead of Europe? We could also see Saracchi and Michel-Ange Balikwisha get some exposure.

Who makes up your final Premier Sports Cup semi-final spots today and tomorrow?

MICHAEL: Motherwell, Hibs and Celtic.

ANDY: Motherwell, Hibs and Celtic.

SCOTT: Aberdeen, Rangers and Celtic.

Who has been your signing of the season so far in the Scottish Premiership?

MICHAEL: Stuart Findlay for Hearts. The defender has always been quality but he’s kicked on again and even added a goal threat.He’s been a superb piece of business.

ANDY: Claudio Braga has got off to a great start at Tynecastle. But he’s just been edged by Dundee United’s Ivan Dolcek, with his four goals and an assist in his four league games so far.

SCOTT: I would have to go for Dolcek. The winger has four goals in as many games and has also got in on the assists. Dundee United need to trigger their option sooner rather than later.