Derby Stars, New Beginnings, and Title Credentials: SPFL Breakdown Round 30

Ahead of a crucial Scottish Premiership weekend, these are three things to watch out for, with key match-ups all over the league table. Game of the Weekend – Celtic v Motherwell While omitting the Dundee Derby feels like a slight, Motherwell’s latest trip to Celtic Park is shaping up to be an unmissable clash. Much has been made of Jens Berthel Askou’s tactical imprint on the league this season; his side will arrive full of belief that they can conduct an upset, despite a stumble at Dens Park last weekend. Memories of their last meeting linger, a 2-0 Motherwell victory that felt more like a massacre than the scoreline suggested. Askou’s men ran riot against a passive Celtic side, then managed by the beleaguered Wilfried Nancy. However, the Hoops are a different beast now. With Martin O’Neill back in the dugout, Celtic are riding high after a marathon 120-minute triumph over Rangers at Hampden. Returning home after a gruelling four-game road trip across Ibrox, Stuttgart, and Aberdeen, Celtic’s task is to close the gap at the top to just two points with the Jambos playing in the evening kick-off. Whether Motherwell can throw another spanner in the works of this title race remains to be seen, but if their last 3-2 thriller in Glasgow is any indication, we’re in for a classic. Team Spotlight – Aberdeen Stephen Robinson has undoubtedly earned a crack at the Aberdeen job. Departing St Mirren as a club legend, he leaves behind a legacy of three consecutive top-half finishes and a League Cup trophy, all achieved on a fraction of his rivals’ budgets. His immediate task is to galvanise a fragmented Dons squad still reeling from a shock Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Dunfermline. With their trophy defence dead and a bottom-six finish already guaranteed, Robinson’s priority is a total appraisal of a bloated squad as he looks toward next season. His tenure begins with a baptism of fire – Falkirk at home. With the Bairns playing expansive football and chasing a European spot, Pittodrie will be an unforgiving introduction for the new man. All eyes turn to the North East this weekend to see if, five years after Derek McInnes moved on, Aberdeen have finally found a long-term successor. Player Spotlight – Tony Yogane The third instalment of the Dundee Derby arrives this Sunday. Although both sides currently reside in the bottom six, the stakes remain high in what promises to be an intriguing encounter at Dens Park. The Dark Blues have the chance to leapfrog their bitter rivals into 7th place, continuing a season that has defied many pre-season relegation predictions. Central to Steven Pressley’s success has been a reliance on phenomenal wing play. Swansea loanee Cameron Congreve commands the headlines – currently the league’s joint-top assist provider with seven – he recently showcased his value with a stunning 20-yard strike in a chaotic 3-3 draw with Hibernian. However, Tony Yogane is proving just as potent on the opposite flank. The Brentford loanee, fresh from opening the scoring in a vital win over high-flying Motherwell, has consistently impressed with his physicality and tireless work rate. After playing the full 90 minutes in Dundee’s 1-0 triumph at Tannadice earlier this season, Yogane will be eager to replicate that dominant performance on home turf.

Dundee vs Dundee United – Match Preview

Dundee welcome rivals Dundee United to Dens Park, for the 3rd Dundee Derby of the season.  The away side have won the previous 2 derbies this season. In the most recent meeting, Dundee beat United 1-0 at Tannadice, with Hay’s goal right at the end of the first period the difference between the sides. In the first meeting of the season, Jim Goodwin’s side won 2-0, with the goals coming from Sapsford and Dolcek. Dundee come into the derby off the back of an impressive 2-1 win against high-flying Motherwell. Steven Pressley’s side are unbeaten in their last 4 games, which included a first win at Pittodrie since 2004 and a 95th minute equaliser against Hibernian after McGrath thought he won it when he found the net on 89 minutes. On the other hand, United come into the Derby off the back of a 2-1 defeat against Falkirk, which saw their Scottish Cup hopes come to an end. The Terrors have only won 1 of their last 5 matches, with that 1 win coming against St Mirren at Tannadice. Dundee have a respectable home league record. The Dens Park outfit have won 6, drawn 3 and lost 5 of their 14 home league games. However, they have beaten Celtic, who they play at home on April 5th, beaten Falkirk and beaten Motherwell at Dens Park. Dundee United have not been great on the road this campaign. The Tangerines have won 3, drawn 6 and lost 5 of their 14 away matches in the league, however, 1 of those wins did come against Dundee. Steven Pressley’s reaction to win against Motherwell: “We set up in a certain way, Motherwell adapted, tested us but time and time again the players found solutions. At times we showed good bravery. It’s small steps from us in the right direction, that’s now seven points from our last nine against Aberdeen, Motherwell and Hibernian which is a good return but the most pleasing thing for me is that we’re making progress and the players are showing a lot of personality and a lot of character. “Motherwell had a lot of pressure, a lot of efforts on goal and made it really difficult for us but time and time again the players came up with the answers and defended for their lives. “I think for that effort alone it’s really pleasing for them to get the rewards with the win.” On Jon McCracken: “Jon McCracken has been terrific for us all season. There’s been a couple of moments of late but he’s responded brilliantly to that. There hasn’t been that many, and also we have to remember it’s his first real run of games at this level. he’s played more games this season than in any other season so he’s learning all the time, growing all the time.” Jim Goodwin’ reaction to defeat against Falkirk: “I don’t want to be making any excuses but we’ve had nine games in five weeks and we could have done without the St Mirren game three days before a Firday night game. Add to that we’ve had key players suspended but it’s a really disappointing outcome but you can’t afford to start like we did. “We wont allow the season to peter out. We have a big job to close the gap on Falkirk but we’ll not give up on that.”

Barry Fry’s bold comment reveals that Emmanuel Fernandez is worth a future £40 million fee

The Peterborough director of football believes that Fernandez could potentially leave Rangers for around £40 million. Emmanuel Fernandez has certainly cemented his spot in Danny Rohl’s side for now. The defender seems to be improving game after game, and not only does he look strong defensively, but the Englishman has already got six goals to his name in 25 appearances. Fernandez wasn’t a familiar face at Ibrox until around November time due to defensive injuries. But it’s safe to say Fernandez has become Rangers most all-round defender, due to his towering presence, his ability to score goals and a real calmness under pressure. Barry Fry spoke to The Scottish Sun on regards to Fernandez, he said: “I made it clear Rangers would eventually sell him for £30m or even £40m. I said he’d score goals as well and just come through strong for them. “Honestly, he just had to be given an opportunity. Early on, they didn’t give him one. He only got one or two games, and I wasn’t popular up there with Rangers fans. “Just look at Manny now. He has shown the Rangers fans he can defend and he can score goals.” The Posh will be crossing their fingers for Fernandez to go for a large sum of money, as they have a substantial sell on clause for the promising defender.

Five uncapped players who could potentially go to The World Cup

With The World Cup approaching, here is five players that may get a spot on the plane come June. Elliot Watt – The Motherwell midfielder is certainly having a season to remember. Himself and the rest of his teammates have gone way above and beyond expectations for The Steelmen in this season’s league campaign. Having already represented Scotland at youth level, Steve Clarke must be keeping a close eye on the midfielder for a potential spot. Harry Milne – The Hearts fullback has had a sensational season so far. Replacing James Penrice at the start of the season wasn’t going to be easy. However, Milne has excelled and been a key factor in Hearts’ push for the title this season. Craig Halkett – The experienced centre-half may also be catching the attention of Steve Clarke. A strong defensive record in the league, a few goals to his name and an important leader in the Hearts dressing room. Could put him in strong contention for that World Cup spot. Josh Mulligan – The Hibs midfielder has been impressive this season, which has already sparked interest from clubs in the Premier League. An experienced campaigner for Scotland U21’s and already settled with the first team environment, may see the standout midfielder head to North America in June. Stephen Welsh – The Motherwell loanee has certainly cemented his spot in Jens Berthel Askou’s squad. And with the most clean sheets in the league, alongside the neat style of play Askou has drilled into him and the rest of the Motherwell squad, may be the reason why Welsh gets a chance to perform at the biggest stage of all.

Double awards for Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti

Youssef Chermiti has been named the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for February and also picked up the Goal of the Month award after his breathtaking overhead kick against Celtic. The Rangers striker and has been under the microscope since joining the Light Blues for £8 million last summer from Everton. The 21-year-old has bagged a total of nine goals in 29 appearances for the Ibrox club and scored a brace against the Hoops in back-to-back Old Firm games. Chermiti scored his first professional hat-trick in the Gers’ 4-2 victory over league leaders Hearts last month. Speaking to the Rangers club website, the Portugal under-21 international spoke of his delight after picking up two awards. “I am delighted to win both awards. “My first goal against Celtic is something that will live with me forever. As a striker, you want to play and score in these games, and thankfully, I have been able to do that several times this season. “But I couldn’t have achieved anything without my teammates and the staff here at Rangers, who have helped me settle at the club. “Now I want to repay them and the supporters by continuing to score goals and help us win matches.”

Robbie Keane Emerges as Celtic Frontrunner as Three Man Shortlist is Drawn

Ferencvaros gaffer Robbie Keane is the reported favourite to take the vacant Celtic managerial position at the end of the season. The former Celtic loanee is said to be the frontrunner of three preferred candidates, alongside Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou and Wales head coach Craig Bellamy. The news was broken by Ewan Murray of The Guardian last night, and it is the first concrete piece of news Celtic fans have heard since Martin O’Neill’s interim return two months ago. Bellamy and Keane both enjoyed prolific six-month loans at Parkhead in 2005 and 2010 respectively, with the former’s situation being more awkward with a potential World Cup with his homeland Wales. As for Keane, the Republic of Ireland’s top scorer has won domestic titles in both Israel and Hungary with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros, yet is a potential replacement for interim Spurs boss Igor Tudor, a club where Keane spent the majority of his playing career. Martin O’Neill took temporary charge for a second time this season after the ill-fated reign of Wilfried Nancy in January, and countryman Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation in October. However, with the Northern Irishman being 74 years of age, the understanding was that his tenure would not be going beyond this summer. His backroom staff Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham both remain in contention to stay next season, despite O’Neill’s departure. Motherwell’s Askou has received plaudits for the Steelmen’s style of play this season, having his side in fourth and an outside bet to win the title, but there is reservations about prior experience and the ability to make the leap to a club the size of Celtic. He has the chance to show the Celtic hierarchy what he is capable of this Saturday, as Motherwell make the short journey to Glasgow to take on the defending champions.

‘Yes it would be a shame for all of us’ – Danny Rohl fears Rangers and Celtic away ban

Danny Rohl admits that he doesn’t want to see away fans barred from Old Firm games after the ugly scenes in last Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final.  Celtic defeated Rangers 4-2 on penalties but the result was overshadowed as both sets of supporters stormed the pitch after the game. It was the largest travelling Hoops support at Ibrox in eight years but it’s safe to say that we won’t be seeing 7,500 away fans in this fixture anytime soon. The Light Blues have been granted an allocation of 2,500 for the final Old Firm derby of the season at Parkhead. The SFA have launched an independent investigation into the events from last Sunday and plan to ‘ensure’ it doesn’t happen again. In his pre match press conference ahead of the clash against St Mirren, Rohl fears that the away allocation could be cut altogether. “Yes, it would be a shame for us – for all of us. “Since I have been here, I have really enjoyed this game with the supporters at both ends. I think this is great. “If you are away or at home, it makes football exciting and hopefully it can carry on. But, of course, if such things happen then you have to be careful because it could be that there is a consequence. “I think that nobody likes to see this sort of thing. It was for over 120 minutes an exciting game with lots of big emotion, on the pitch, off the pitch. That’s what we want. “Then after, we only talk about the situation on the pitch that shouldn’t have happened. “I wouldn’t say it opened my eyes – that is the wrong word – but nobody likes to see this. “The emotional part during the game was great. It makes the atmosphere in the stadium. And I think everyone should take responsibility and that we can keep going with this. “I think there is an investigation and they will look for things. There will be some consequences but let’s see what this is.” There’s nine games left in the season for the Ibrox club as they trail league leaders Hearts by six points and the Gers head coach knows his side can’t afford to drop anymore points.