Merkie84

3 points by any means possible are vital I feel. It doesn’t need to be pretty

Sorry, typo. I meant to write 4/4 semi finalists

For me this is the ideal fixture. After Cyprus, we have almost done it and not qualifying from here would be a disaster. Preparation for the finals starts now. Tuesday will be as competitive a game as possible for a “friendly”. With so many English based players in our squad, they will be bursting a gut to win. England, like it or not, won’t be too far away next summer. Next 3 fixtures are against England , Spain and France, sides you wouldn’t be surprised to make up 3/4 of the semi finalists next summer. A real test for this squad. Whatever happens , it will be good learning opportunity which will allow this squad to grow and develop further. Then the final 2 qualification fixtures, hopefully finish the group strong and have a go at trying to top the group ,earning us a higher seeding and hopefully an easier group in the euros, maximising our chances of getting through. Not sure what the fixtures will be in early 2024, but hopefully our strong showing can get us some warm up games against other top teams. All being said, we should send Scotland to the Euros with the best preparation of any squad ever.

This trope is always wheeled out against Aberdeen, and I find it very strange. Forget Fergie and the 80s and look at the here and now and recent form. Aberdeen regularly have the 3rd/4th highest playing budget in the league. Aberdeen have finished in the top 4 in 9 out of the last 10 seasons. Genuine question ,what do fans of other teams think is a “realistic expectation” for Aberdeen fans given the above?

Feels like a changing of the guard moment. No doubt Novak will win a few more , but the era of big 3 dominance is over. Alcaraz seems a very good player and could rack up a few more slams over the next few years.

That is harsh, he did a good job of turning Aberdeen into a top Championship side.

Yes she played terrible.

If either player could string together 2 or 3 service holds in a row they will run away with it.

She is having a mare. could be a short final at this rate

It was a really good one! I honestly can’t believe pogacar still qualifies for the white jersey competition. He has done it all already.

I have gone from absolutely hating it, to quite liking it, back to hating it and now back to liking it again! It is certainly different! I certainly won’t be buying one though.

Great analysis. Being trying to get my head round all the permutations so thanks for clearing it up. Just win Scotland FFS!

Totally agree. Nothing less than a win tonight should be the target. Get this “ settle for a draw” attitude in the bin. Win tonight and away to Cyprus , that is us on 15 and should be enough to qualify. Last 3 games can then try to win the group. Losing tonight would be a disaster.

Because a positive result against Spain might bring Norway back into the running or have Georgia breathing down our neck. Spain beating everyone (apart from us) is good for us. I also fear Cyprus might gain a few points, hopefully not against us!

Might not lose to many games but I fear they could have a 0-0 or two if they persists in just passing about with no end product .

Hopefully the team can show how different they are from previous Scotland sides buy getting an early goal and then going on to put it out of sight with plenty of the match to spare. Without wanting to tempt fate, what do we reckon the magic points total is to secure a minimum of 2nd place? 15? or more? I think Norway can only get to 16 now but still have to play Spain and us. ( hopefully be on 12 by the end of Tuesday night! )

Yes I still love to watch an International tournament as a neutral. Far more surprises and competitive games. A narrower and narrower field of clubs winning the “champions” league every year leaves me very disinterested.

He looks like a complete thug. Exactly what you want from a defender!

Are Spain going to drop points to anyone else? If so who? What results for them do we think will suit Scotland better? Do we want them to win against Norway and Georgia or can we be cheeky and hope they drop more points and we finish ahead of them?

I would argue it matters even less now. The team that wins is generally the one with the biggest income, regardless of what formation the manager employs.

Th The “Messi V Ronaldo” debate is a perfect example of this. What should be an interesting comparison of 2 wonderful players is often reduced to people online ( who clearly have never been to a football match in their lives) quoting statistics at each other. Misses the point completely.

Need a few jack of all trades types too. With hopefully European Group football , our squad is going to be stretched thin. Need some players to come in and be able to do a job if have a few injuries/ suspensions.

Ah, so we really do need a Celtic win? Looks like it makes a big difference, not just the odd extra qualifying round.

What round do we go in if SuperCaleygoballistic in the cup final?