Title Charges, Cup Knockouts, and Future Stars: SPFL Breakdown Round 28
The Scottish Premiership returns for another crucial weekend of action, ahead of the six matchups – these are the main things to watch out for. Game of the Round – Hearts v Falkirk Derek McInnes will look to galvanise his league-leading side, as they attempt to bounce back from a thrilling Ibrox defeat. Standing in their way are Falkirk, the only side to taste victory at Tynecastle this season. The hosts’ lead has slipped to two points, but with a favourable pre-split fixture list, it feels now or never for their title credentials. McInnes is still missing key stalwarts Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland, but a precious three points will put further pressure on the Glasgow giants, who both play on Sunday. Claudio Braga will likely lead the line; one of his eleven league goals was in the 2nd minute at the Falkirk Stadium in mid-December. The Gorgie faithful will hope their Portuguese star can deliver another key goal in the title race. Falkirk welcome Dundee United in the Scottish Cup shortly, and their penalty shootout victory over Hearts has helped pave the way to the quarter-final clash. John McGlynn’s side have enjoyed a flying start to their domestic season, sitting comfortably in the top six, and impressing the masses with their colourful football brand. The Bairns are too far back from the title race, but are in a battle for European football, as they attempt to chase down Hibernian in 5th place. Will Hearts resume their stellar season, or can Falkirk spoil the party once more? Team Spotlight – Motherwell Jens Berthel Askou was “very disappointed” to see his side crash out of the Scottish Cup, but the Steelmen must quickly pivot to Paisley for a crucial league clash with St Mirren. Despite the setback at Pittodrie, Motherwell have been stellar in the league; they currently sit in fourth place with a remarkably resilient record of just three defeats in twenty-six matches. While the media spotlight remains fixed on the traditional trio of Hearts, Rangers, and Celtic, the Fir Park faithful are quick to point out that they sit just seven points off the summit as the run-in approaches. Motherwell previously tasted knockout heartbreak with a 4-1 League Cup Semi-Final loss, but they proved their bounce-back ability by dispatching St Mirren 2-0 back in January. With cup distractions now firmly in the rearview mirror, a singular focus on the Premiership could transform an already impressive season into an unlikely title charge. Player to Watch – Owen Elding Hibernian may have lost Kieron Bowie for a club-record fee, but they look to have found a ready-made successor in a 19-year-old Irish sensation. Since arriving on Edinburgh’s shores, Owen Elding has wasted no time making an impact, netting his first goal in green during his full debut against St Mirren last Saturday. Excitement is rapidly building around the youngster’s potential and upward trajectory. The forward, who joined from Sligo Rovers in January following a prolific 12-goal season in the League of Ireland, was buzzing after his standout performance. “Obviously, there’s no better feeling than hitting the back of the net,” Elding remarked. “To do it on my first home start… there’s nothing more special.” As the Hibees prepare to visit Celtic Park this Sunday, Elding will be brimming with confidence. He’ll be hoping David Gray gives him the nod once more to lead the line on the big stage.
Bundesliga Star “Not Expecting” Scotland Recall
Oliver Burke insists that enjoying his football for Union Berlin is the top priority, as the World Cup looms for Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad. In an interview with BBC Scotland, the 28-year-old striker advised he hasn’t put “too much thought” into a National call-up. “I’m not really expecting anything. I’m just enjoying myself and enjoying football again, which is the most important thing for me. “If I can, hopefully, do some good performances, score some more goals and hopefully that is catching the eye a little bit and gives me a chance, at least. “Obviously, it’s an absolute honour to wear the badge and represent your country. It’s such a privilege. Obviously, I would really love that again and to have that experience again. “I cannot think too much about that. I have to just stay focused and do the best I can here and see what happens.” The Kirkcaldy-born attacker began his professional career with Nottingham Forest, enjoying a brief loan spell with Celtic in 2019. Burke is widely known for his Bundesliga stints; his CV is littered with top clubs, including RB Leipzig, Werder Bremen, and now Union Berlin. His 13 million pound fee to join Leipzig was a Scottish record at the time. Burke recalled the whirlwind nature of this transfer. “I was young, the price tag, I didn’t really know too much about it,” he remembered. “I didn’t really understand it so much at that age. As I got older, it started to weigh a little bit. “In football, everything happens quickly. You have your good moments, and then there can be bad moments. “It’s been kind of like this throughout my career. Many ups and many downs.” Burke has 13 appearances for the National side, and was part of the squad which defeated Serbia to reach the first European Championship since 1998. Steve Clarke has predominantly favoured the likes of Lyndon Dykes, Lawrence Shankland, and Che Adams across his tenure, but could the manager be tempted by Burke’s Bundesliga form?
Dundee Utd 2-1 Spartans: Hosts advance to quarters after red card scare
Dundee United 2-1 Spartans Graham (31′) Fatah (55′) Stowe (78′) A goal in each half secured Dundee United’s passage to the Scottish Cup quarter-final, surviving nearly 80 minutes with a man down against Spartans at Tannadice. Jim Goodwin’s side secured a crucial three points at The Falkirk Stadium on Saturday, but Iurie Iovu’s 12th-minute red card delivered a horror start to their 5th Round tie. The Moldovan took out Bradley Whyte over the halfway line, and Grant Irvine brandished his red card to give the Arabs a mountain to climb. Despite the setback, the hosts continued to dominate the game. Captain Ross Graham rose to glance Will Ferry’s pinpoint corner past Paddy Martin, a crucial lead for Goodwin’s men. Amar Fatah doubled United’s lead 10 minutes into the second period. Clever play by Ivan Dolcek saw the Croatian drive past Spartan jerseys and thread an inviting pass into the attacker’s path. Fatah’s emphatic finish looked to have put the game behind their League two opposition. Spartans forced their way back in the game with 12 minutes remaining. A cross from the right found the Mark Stowe at the back post. The prolific striker added his 19th goal of the season, his heavily deflected strike looped over the stranded Ashley Maynard-Brewer to bring the visitors back into the match. The favourites would eventually see out proceedings, setting up a quarter-final showdown against Falkirk in a few weeks. Spartans gave a positive account of themselves, but will rue their inability to make the extra man count for almost 80 minutes. Dundee United: Maynard-Brewer, Strain, Iovu, Sevelj (Stephenson 84′) Graham, Camara, Ferry, Sibbald (Cleall-Harding 63′) Amar Fatah (Stirton 56′) Dolcek (Sapsford 56′) Watters (Farrugia 56′) Spartans: Martin, Watson, Welsh (Aiken 59′) Tapping (Nair 44′) Dishington (Wylie 81′) McNulty (Stowe 59′) Russell, Sonkur, Waugh, Craigen, Whyte
Clarke ready for Scotland talks as World Cup preparations gather pace
Steve Clarke will hold talks regarding his future with the Scottish FA in March. Speaking on Sky Sports, Clarke advised he had been “really busy” with Scottish FA CEO Ian Maxwell, as Scotland prepare for their first world cup apperance since 1998 in America. “Hopefully, we will do it by March, and hopefully we’ll have a little discussion on those matters. For me at the minute, it’s just about making sure the preparation is right, and everyone’s ready to go to the World Cup. The autumn can take care of itself. The 62-year-old led the National Team to back-to-back Euros before qualifying for the world stage after a historic 4-2 victory over Denmark. The manager was quizzed about a possible domestic return, stating, “It depends on which club! The Scotland job has been great for me; it will be coming up to seven years in the summer. Three qualifications and a really good bunch of players. “We’ve grown well and learned how to get to tournaments. I’ve enjoyed it as much as you can enjoy any managerial job these days, as there’s a lot of media attention now, and you see managers getting sacked left, right and centre. “So for me, it’s just about enjoying this moment, seeing what happens. If a decent job came up and I was available, and I hadn’t signed a contract with the SFA, you never know.” Clarke will announce his squad for friendlies against Japan and Côte d’Ivoire in the coming weeks as excitement builds for the Tartan Army.
“We are not going to go quietly” – McInnes upbeat despite Ibrox defeat
Hearts boss Derek McInnes believes there is “no shame” from his side’s thrilling 4-2 defeat against Rangers on Sunday afternoon, as their lead at the Scottish Premiership summit was cut to two points. Speaking at full-time, McInnes advised that he saw enough courage from his side’s performance ahead of the run-in. “Obviously disappointed because we came here to get a positive result. Regardless of how the game plays out, we still feel there’s so much optimism for the season ahead. “We showed good courage in the game. Our biggest downfall was losing three goals out of the four when we had possession of the ball in their half. “When we were set and in our shape, Rangers didn’t cause us too many problems. Where we were susceptible and looked like losing goals was exactly when we had good possession of the ball and we had too many bodies forward. “The crowd helped the Rangers team. The longer we stay in front then that becomes more difficult and challenging for the Rangers player. We didn’t allow that. We allowed the crowd to get behind the team. McInnes was quick to point out the financial discrepancies between his side and Rangers. His side has punched above their weight this season, showcasing excellent fight, and creating an intriguing three horse race for the title. “Rangers have spent £40m-50m in two windows trying to put this squad together so there’s no shame for us losing this game, there’s just disappointment that we put so much into it. “Credit to Rangers, they’ve won a big game. I still think there’s a big fight ahead of us for us all. We’re not too despondent because I see enough courage, I see enough in the performance and I still feel with the fixtures we’ve got between now and the split, particularly so many at home, that we can win games that can keep the whole thing moving along for us. “These lads give everything for the shirt. We’re not going to go along away quietly. We’re top of the league. It takes a lot of good things for a team to be here where we are in the league and hopefully there’s a bit more in it. I do think there’ll be a lot of twists and turns yet. We’ve just got to manage our performances now and try and make some hay.” Hearts will return to Tynecastle, ahead of two huge home matches against Falkirk and Aberdeen, with eleven league matches remaining, it is crunch time for the title challengers. McInnes will hope his side can maintain the right with the Glasgow Giants as the split draws nearer.
“We have developed a lot” – Slot lauds Liverpool transformation after cup victory
Liverpool boss Arne Slot believes his side is in “a good place” after safely progressing to the 5th round of the FA Cup against Brighton. Speaking at full-time, the Dutch boss praised his team’s clinical nature. “Satisfying because we scored three, and that’s not really been coming for us. To create a lot of chances has been. To score three with the chances we did have has not happened that many times this season so I am really pleased with that. “I thought we were up already earlier but not many moments later we scored from a full-back and another full-back attacking the box and that tells you how much these players want to score a goal. The second goal was even nicer than the first one. “It started out with us bringing the ball out from the back. It was two teams wanting to bring the ball out from the back which you don’t see that much anymore in the Premier League. It was a great team goal, a great switch and Mohamed Salah laying it off and the finish was probably the nicest part of the attack. Liverpool sit 6th in the Premier League, but have struggled to recapture the consistent form that lauded a first league title since 2020. But with Champions League knockout football on the horizon, Slot believes his side are in a good position heading into the run in. “In the end we get players back. It is fair to say we have developed a lot from two, three or four months ago. We are much more able to bring the intensity levels that are needed in the Premier League and Champions League after two days rest. Most of these players are young so there is a lot more to come from them. That is why we did what we did in the summer. Giving them time to adjust also cost us too many points that is also clear but the team is in a good place at the moment.” The Reds return to League action against Nottingham Forest next Sunday, aiming to return to the top four, ahead of a key fixture run.
“He watches forensically” – McInnes conversing with football icon amidst title challenge
Derek McInnes reveals conversations with Sir Alex Ferguson have provided “great pointers”, as Hearts prepare for another seismic Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox. In an interview with the BBC, McInnes advised that Ferguson had contacted him in the lead up to the Edinburgh Derby. “He was on the phone on my way into the game, and he’s got great pointers, little nuggets of information. “He’s able to give you wee things you can maybe do and say, like how you deal with the press.” “He knows all my players. He talks as though he knows them intimately and I tell my players that, and they still can’t believe that he actually knows our game inside out,” adds McInnes. “He watches forensically. So I feel as if I’ve got a real supporter there.” McInnes will be aided by returning centre-back Craig Halkett, who missed Tuesday’s Edinburgh Derby through suspension. The defender accepts that his team may be in uncharted territory, but relishes the title challenge. “I’ve watched Scottish football all my life, and in my lifetime, certainly, it’s unusual for Hearts to be in this position at this time of the year. “I think the fact that the majority of the boys in the changing room haven’t been in this position before is a good thing. “We don’t have any past experience to fall back on or any worries about being in this position. We’ve not done it. Everyone’s just going with the flow and just doing the best that we can every single week. “I think it’s obviously a good thing that world football are looking at Hearts and seeing Hearts’ name out there and making the club known all across the world. That’s only a good thing. Holding position at the summit of the Scottish Premiership for 20 weeks may bring pressure, but Halkett insists his teammates aren’t feeling the pressure of their sensational season. “All the boys are buzzing coming in every day. We’ve been top of the league for a while now but I don’t think anyone’s really thinking or starting to worry that if we don’t win this game or we win that game, where are we going to be? “Personally, I’m not feeling too much pressure. It’s just the pressure to go and win the game at the weekend and then see where it takes us. “It’s been such a great season, you’re just so glad to be involved in it.” Hearts travel to Ibrox on Sunday afternoon, a victory would move the Jambos eight clear at the top of the league, potentially delivering the knockout blow for Rangers’ title credentials.
Falkirk 2-3 Dundee Utd: Visitors battle to crucial three points after late winner
Falkirk 2-3 Dundee Utd Broggio (17′) Lissah (53′) Graham (25′) Sibbald (55′) Eskesen (83′) Dundee United came from behind twice to edge a five-goal thriller at the Falkirk Stadium, sneaking closer to a top six berth. Falkirk, fresh from their narrow home victory over Dundee, dominated possession in the first 10 minutes. But it was the visitors who created the earliest chances. Ross Graham headed over the game’s first effort, after Scott Bain tipped over the Scotsman’s back-post header from a whipped Kristijan Trapanovski free kick. Craig Sibbald flashed wide from the edge of the box from the resultant corner Avoiding defeat felt paramount for Jim Goodwin’s men, who have drifted from the top six pack. Liam Henderson cleared Ryan Strain’s dangerous low cross in the 15th minute as they continued to build into the game. Falkirk burst into life after 17 minutes. Ben Broggio’s first-time strike found the bottom left corner from the edge of the box after neat interplay. The Aston Villa loanee had enjoyed a positive start to his Scottish spell, registering his second goal in two starts for the Bairns. Just when the hosts looked set to seize control, United responded. Bain’s attempted punch fell kindly into the path of Graham, who had the simple task of rolling into an empty net in the 25th minute. The goalie would have been frustrated with his efforts, a gift for the visitors. Neilson’s header cannoned off the crossbar from behind after Miller’s inswinging free-kick shortly after, but as the halftime whistle blew, Goodwin would have been the happier manager. The hosts started positively in the second half and deservedly retook the lead. Leon McCann’s wicked left-footed cross to the back post was volleyed home by Filip Lissah in the 53rd minute. However, United would hit back instantly. Former Bairn Craig Sibbald stroked home a composed left-footed strike from the edge of the box to claw Goodwin’s men level. The sides’ previous encounter at the Falkirk Stadium served up a cracker, and today’s meeting delivered in a similar, frantic fashion. Lissah has become a standout for McGlynn’s side, and the Swansea loanee was a constant threat for the hosts. He marauded down the Falkirk right after dispossessing Zac Sapsford. A powerful strike from the edge of the box was brilliantly tipped over by Ashley Maynard-Brewer. Ryan Lee reduced Falkirk to ten men after Henderson hauled Max Watters to the floor. After consulting the VAR monitor, the defender’s yellow was upgraded to red, with Henderson the last man. Despite the disadvantage, the match remained even. Graham blazed over from close range after a Will Ferry corner in the 76th minute as United searched for the crucial third. United took the lead for the first time to break Falkirk hearts. Ferry flicked on Ryan Strain’s right-sided cross, which dropped kindly into the path of substitute Julius Eskesen. The Dane took one touch and smashed a right-footed strike across Bain, sending the away allocation behind the goal into frenzy. Falkirk battled till the final whistle to no avail as Goodwin’s men secured a priceless three points. They edge closer to the top six, ahead of a congested fixture schedule in the league, and Scottish Cup. Falkirk: Bain 4 Lissah 8 Neilson 6 Henderson 6 McCann 7 Spencer 6 Broggio 7 Tait 6 Miller 6 Marsh 7 Stewart 7 Substitutes: Wilson 6 Cartwright 6 Donaldson 6 Graham 3 Ross 3 Dundee United: Maynard-Brewer 6 Farrugia 6 Graham 7 Keresztes 7 Strain 6 Stephenson 5 Sibbald 6 Iovu 7 Sapsford 6 Trapanovski 7 Ferry 6 Substitutes: Watters 6 Sevelj 5 Eskesen 4 Dolcek 4
Title Deciders, Interims, and Champions League Winners: SPFL Breakdown Round 27
Another crucial weekend of Scottish Premiership football awaits. Ahead of the latest round, these are the main things to keep note of. Game of the Round – Rangers v Hearts Sunday’s showdown between the top two is set to have massive implications as the title race enters the home stretch. With Hearts currently holding a five-point lead over Rangers, a victory would stretch that gap to eight, marking only their second win at Ibrox since 2014. Derek McInnes’ side has occupied the top spot for nearly 20 weeks, and after Tomas Magnusson’s late Edinburgh Derby winner sparked further delirium in Gorgie, the Jambos continue to defy the odds. While Ibrox remains a daunting task for any visitor, a perfect record of five wins from five against the Old Firm this season means McInnes’ men will head west with the bit between their teeth. In the opposite dugout, Danny Rohl has significantly raised expectations since inheriting a Rangers side that trailed the leaders by 13 points. However, after hauling themselves back into contention with a nine-match unbeaten run, disjointed performances at Fir Park and Easter Road have left the Ibrox faithful questioning their title credentials. Rohl has conceded that Sunday’s meeting is “massive,” a result that could make or break their domestic season. For McInnes, the goal is simple, deliver a heavyweight blow that could finally knock Rangers out of the title race for good. Team Spotlight: Aberdeen Aberdeen have now spent 40 days in managerial limbo following Jimmy Thelin’s dismissal. With former assistant Tony Docherty arriving to bolster Peter Leven’s backroom staff, the Dons appear content to wait until the summer before confirming a permanent appointment. However, that patience is being tested on the pitch. Following consecutive postponements against Motherwell and Dundee United, Leven’s side has had a long two weeks to stew on their dismal 3-0 defeat at Rugby Park. Those cancellations, combined with Falkirk’s flying form, have left Aberdeen drifting, now 11 points adrift of the coveted top six. While Sunday’s trip to Fir Park looks daunting, time is rapidly running out to salvage their season. Before they resume their Scottish Cup defence next week, the question is, can Leven and Docherty galvanise this struggling squad and spark a late-season revival? Player to Watch: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain As Celtic toiled toward a disappointing draw against Livingston on Wednesday, Martin O’Neill scanned his bench for a spark of quality. He found it in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the former Champions League winner appeared to be the perfect option to break the deadlock. With Rangers leading against Motherwell, Celtic’s grip on the top two looked fragile. However, the former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder wasted little time etching his name into Parkhead folklore. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, he opened his body and whipped a devastating low strike past a rooted Jerome Prior, securing a vital three points and instant hero status. In such a tight title race, January reinforcements were always going to be the deciding factor for the frontrunners. While he may still be chasing match fitness and sharpness, Oxlade-Chamberlain could provide the catalyst Celtic need as they chase a fifth consecutive trophy. Next up, the champions face a revitalised Kilmarnock side. Having recently laboured to a narrow victory over Auchinleck Talbot on that same pitch, Celtic can expect a testing encounter. Whether starting or offering experience off the bench, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ability to produce moments of individual brilliance could be the key cog that keeps this title challenge on track.
Askou Cites “Cynical” Rangers Performance in Fir Park draw
Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou was disappointed at Rangers’ approach during Wednesday’s dramatic draw, believing the Gers’ “cynical” performance was a “shame for the game”. Speaking to Sky Sports at full-time, Askou reckons his side “dominated the game in so many ways”. “I thought our intensity and speed of play was outstanding and it caused a tonne of problems for Rangers out there. They had to [concede] one free-kick after another to stop us. “I was surprised that they didn’t get more yellow cards in the first half and I don’t think it’s good enough. “It’s an absolutely top game, probably the best game you can get in Scottish football right now, and you get to play that cynical? “I think it’s a shame for the game, that’s the reason why there weren’t more goals in the game. “We didn’t let frustration take over, we stuck in it and adjusted a few things at half-time and knew there would be chances in the second half.” While Askou agreed with Lukas Fadinger’s second half dismissal, the Dane didn’t see a huge difference between that challenge and some on his own team. “Lukas gets sent off and it’s our first red card.” Askou added. “The intensity of the tackle was not worse than many of the other tackles we received. “He’s just a little bit unlucky that he catches him five inches off the ground.” Celtic loanee Stephen Welsh scored a crucial late equaliser to haunt Rangers; the draw preserves Motherwell’s long-standing home record, dating back to mid-October. Pushing for the title may be a bridge too far, but Askou’s side will have a major say in which of the top three side’s take home the title.
