Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , Borussia Dortmund and Celtic hero Paul Lambert has previewed a pivotal back-to-back Old Firm double-header and cast his eye across the rest of the Scottish game.
The former Celtic captain believes there is massive pressure on Derek McInnes , and that defeat in both the cup and league games against Celtic could spark a change at Ibrox .
Lambert has also assessed whether Lawrence Shankland will lead the line for Scotland , the prospect of another three-horse race with Hearts , the form of St Mirren and Aberdeen , the Zidane Iqbal deal at Dundee United , and the rise of Stenhousemuir .
Lawrence Shankland
Will Shankland Lead the Line For Pocognoli's Scotland?
I think he will, but the manager will have to pick a few strikers for the upcoming games anyway. From what I've read, Lawrence Shankland isn't going to be fit; according to the Rangers manager, it looks like it's going to be a long-term injury. That's a bit of a blow for the Scotland manager, but when he's fit again, I'm sure he'll be in the mix with three or four other guys for the squad. I'm looking forward to seeing what the first Scotland squad selection will be under the new manager.
The Title Race
Will the Old Firm Shape McInnes' Future?
There is massive, absolutely massive pressure on Derek McInnes . They're back-to-back games; they've got the cup game first and then the league game. I know Celtic have no fans at Ibrox Stadium , and obviously, Rangers have no fans at Celtic Park . I think if Rangers lose these two, then there might be a change.
You're only one game away from a crisis in Scotland . Maybe the Rangers fans not being there is a good thing for Rangers players because they won't feel the pressure. Celtic are used to everything; that's why they're stable and can play in front of a crowd or with no crowd, whereas Rangers , I think, are a little bit nervy when there's a crowd in their stadium. Having no crowd at Parkhead , I only see a Celtic win there in the league game, and in the cup tie, I still see Celtic being too strong. But if Derek loses these two, there will be a lot of clamour regarding what's going on there.
Are We Set For Another Three-Horse Race?
Hearts were a little bit ropey at the beginning, but then they found their feet again, and they seem to be playing pretty well. The European thing certainly enhanced them, but again, it's so early; you don't win anything in September , October , November . I think you judge it when you get to the business end of the season because he's going to come under a lot of pressure of maybe not getting a result one or two games in. There's a long, long way to go with it, but I think the start that Hearts have made has been decent.
St Mirren and Aberdeen
Can St Mirren Keep Up Their Early Form?
I think St Mirren have got a lot of confidence about them. They put up a good fight in the tough game the other night against Celtic , but they've started the season well, St Mirren . You never know; they might do what Motherwell did last year and be a little bit of a surprise. I think Motherwell , St Mirren and teams like that have done well. I think Steven has done well at Dundee . When you look at that, these three teams, I think, might be a little surprise this year.
What Do Aberdeen Need to Do to Turn Things Around?
Aberdeen is a club with big expectations because of their history. They haven't made a mark in recent years, beyond just trying to stay in the league, which isn't good enough. Pittodrie is a terrific atmosphere; I remember from my playing days that it was always a tough place to go. The fans create a great atmosphere, but if things aren't going well, it can turn. They can't afford another season in the bottom half. People will naturally start blaming the manager, but when you're the manager, you're the one who carries the can. I think the players need to look at themselves as well; they need to do better, rather than just pointing fingers at the manager.
Dundee United
How Surprised Were You by the Zidane Iqbal Deal?
Zidane Iqbal is going to have to adjust to it. It'll be different from the Netherlands , and it'll be a different type of football. He's going to have to adjust to it, what it's like with it. It remains to be seen. Again, a young guy coming into the fold of it, and he's going to have to hit the ground running with it.
It'll be interesting to see how he does, actually. I think it'll be interesting because when you come from Dutch football, it's a little bit different from Scottish football. Again, he's going to have to adapt to that, and I think he'll have to adapt pretty quickly.
Stenhousemuir
How Impressive Is Stenhousemuir's Run Up the Divisions?
I think Stenhousemuir 's run is great, I really do, and I've watched that story a little bit, and I think what happens with that, you get a little bit of momentum, and you jump one leg and get into another leg, and you think we can do it again, and I think that's a great thing.
Stenhousemuir , dear dear, most people in Scotland wouldn't be able to tell you where that is. I think it's a good little story at the moment, and if they went up again, what a story that would be.
Bet on Football Odds at BOYLE Sports
Prices are subject to fluctuation. Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly .
Behind every great sporting moment is a story worth telling. The BOYLE Sports Editorial team sits down with the most relevant names in sport for candid conversations, genuine insight, and the kind of access that brings you closer to the real stories behind the headlines.
