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Chapter 1: What is discussed at the start of this section?
It's game day. And this is the home of Scottish football. It's Clyde One Super Scoreboard. Thank you very much. Aberdeen face Dundee United and then all attention turns to the title race. Tabletoppers Hearts look to take a step closer to the title when they go to Fir Park tonight and then the Old Firm Derby tomorrow. I'm Andrew McLean.
Joining me in the studio are Gordon DL, Cammy Bell and Hugh Keevans.
Hearts have not beaten Motherwell at Fir Park since 2023. If I am able to repeat that statistic tomorrow morning when we come back on air for Celtic's game against Rangers, then we have a title race on our hands.
If I have to revise history and Hearts have beaten Motherwell at Fair Park, then it's over and done with in my estimation and Celtic and Rangers tomorrow will be battling it out for the Championship of Glasgow. That's the way I see it and I'm also looking forward to St Miracle Marnock That is a vital one in terms of who has to avoid the relegation playoff final.
Excitement all over the country. You've got to say we're in for a fantastic week of football. Twists and turns. I still think there's a lot of twists and turns. You look at the top of the league, you look at the bottom of the league. You look at the playoffs, you look at everything that's happening with the build-up to the last game in the Scottish Cup final.
But today, for Hearts, I think is massive.
Yeah, we will have plenty of build-up for that game at Far Park later, for the game at Celtic Park tomorrow, before three o'clock kick-offs in the Scottish Premiership with so much at stake, Cammy.
Yeah, a huge moment at stake. You certainly look at the St Mirren-Colmarnock game today as a blockbuster for me. At the bottom of the table, trying to avoid that playoff relegation battle. It's a massive game for Colmarnock. One away win all season, but certainly they got that big win against Dundee United last week, which will put them in good confidence.
And listen, Craig McLeish has got a huge job on his hands to try and get St Mirren away from it. So that's a massive game. And then you also look at the Falkirk-Hibs game for me.
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Chapter 2: What are the key matchups in the Scottish Premiership today?
Let's start, shall we? Have to start, really, at the Smyser Stadium with St Mirren against Kilmarnock. David Friel is there for us.
Yes, Andrew, and I think, I know it's hard, but I think we have to forget the top of the table for a little while at the very least and focus on the bottom. And Cammy said it's a blockbuster. What a game this is going to be. St Mirren sit in 11th place in that relegation playoff spot on 30 points. Kilmarnock sit 10th, just one point above them on 31.
If Neil McCann's side can leave Paisley for a win, and it's a big if, You have to imagine that would be a major step towards safety, but likewise St Mirren, what a chance they've got to go above their rivals and try and get three points here.
Craig McLeish, you said they've lost their last three in the league, they badly need to get back to winning ways or they could be heading for that playoff spot. They've got a trip to Pataudry in midweek to face former manager Stephen Robinson and they really want to be going there on a high. As for Kelly, I think their first task is to make sure they can last 60 seconds without conceding.
Dale McCann's side have shipped goals inside the first minute in their last three away games against Falkirk, against Hibs, against Aberdeen. It's an unbelievable start. If they can get past that mark, they will feel they've got a chance here and they're obviously boosted by that 3-0 win over Dundee United last weekend. Kelly have once again had their troubles on the road this season.
They've got just 1-1 in 17 games. It's the worst record in the league. Neil McCann wants to address that long term but I think in the short term he just needs to try and get three points here. St. Martin have made three changes. Let's go through the teams for you just now. Marcus Fraser, Liam Donnelly and Conor McMenamin are in for Jadon Richardson, Richard King and Scott Tanzer.
They're going to line up Ross Sinclair in goals. Back three are Marcus Fraser, Liam Donnelly, Miguel Freckleton. Midfield five, Mark O'Hara, Jacob Devaney, Alan Campbell, Connor McMenamin and Kylian Phillips with Roland Oduwu and Mikel Mandron as the front two. Surs for St Mirren are Thomas Avicius, Duff, Tanzer, King, Richardson, Falconer, Calvin, Douglas and Jung.
As for Kylian, just one change. Dom Thompson comes in at left back. That means Michael Schoening-Larsen moves over to right back and Finlay Curtis is freed up to go up to the wing. Sir Kelly going to line up match strike and goals. Michael Shorning-Larsen, George Stanger, Robbie Dees and Dom Thompson at the back.
Midfield three of Greg Kelty, Arndt Tushpola and Tom Lowry with Finlay Curtis, Joe Hugo and Nicky Kleschenko in attack. Sir Sir Kelly are Wright, Williams, Mayo, McKenzie, Watson, McGinnis, Anderson, Watkins and Pollarth. The referee at the Smiser is Don Robertson and the VAR is Andrew Dallas.
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Chapter 3: What is the significance of the St Mirren vs Kilmarnock game?
Six changes for the visitors, Andrew. Says a lot about where Hibs are right now. Hanley, Sanger and Paslak all returned from suspension. Barlazza, Campbell and Obita are back in as well. Smith, Bashiri, Megwa. Newell and Caden all make way. Jamie McGrath is suspended. So it will be their usual 3-5-2 formation. Raphael Salinger in goal. Grant Hanley, Warren O'Hara and Jack Iredale the back three.
Felix Paslak, Jordan Obeid to the wing-backs. Miguel Chaiwa, Daniel Valazza and Josh Campbell make up the midfield three. And the two up top, Martin Boyle and Owen Elding. Substitute to Smith, Newell, Caden, Caden, Megwa, Andrews, Garenanga, Scarlett and Suto. The referee here, Ryan Lee and the VAR, Matthew McDermott.
That win for Falkirk against Motherwell last time out, it's really opened things up.
Yeah, David Gray has to be careful at Easter Road because to finish bottom of the top six, if I can put it like that, is not acceptable to the Hibs supporters. They have a squad that ought to be better than that.
The changes that he's made today, six in total, ordinarily you would say that's a sign of a manager who's just a little bit confused by things, but I think they've been made for the better. Grant Hanley coming back will be for the good of Hibs.
But it's the Falkirk side who have had an outstanding season They know the incentive that's in front of them relative to Europe I'm not sure Hibs can get all three points there People have been focusing on the top of the table obviously because of what's happening in the title race If people hadn't really been focusing on what's going on at the bottom of the top six I might be surprised to see that Falkirk can leapfrog Hibs with a win today
Yeah, they've kind of went under the radar. Again, where Hibs have faltered is certainly the red cards in the last three games. They can't keep 11 players on the pitch, which is always going to hurt you, especially when you're at this level playing against teams in the top six. So that's first and foremost.
David Gray will be making sure that his players are disciplined today and have 11 players on the pitch. But I think it's a fantastic opportunity for Falkirk today. I really actually fancy Falkirk to go and get a result today and get the three points. I think they... John McGlynn's had a brilliant, brilliant season. He wants to end it well. They've got the players that can hurt Hibs as well.
They're fast going forward. They're very precise when they've got the ball. So yes, it's going to be an interesting game.
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Chapter 4: What are the predictions for the upcoming matches?
Just get the three points because you can't see anything else other than a home win today. And then the Dens Park fans and the club can enjoy their last couple of games and probably look back a decent season overall. The team news, 4-3-3 formation for Dundee. Just one change, it was enforced. John McCracken, the goalie, limped off last week.
And Kieran Harrah, who replaced him, has come into the starting XI. So Kieran Harrah's in goals. Brad Halliday, Ryan Astley, Luke Graham and Dre Wright at the back. In midfield, Jan Danda, Ethan Hamilton and Joe Wesley. with Cameron Congreve, Simon Murray and Tony O'Ganney as the forwards.
Harry Sharp, Billy Comethiel, Finn Robertson, Ashley Hayes, Emari Samuels, Charlie Riley, Joel Cotterill, Scott Wright and Callum Jones are the subs. So Scott Arfield, he's made four changes to the team and he's changed information to 4-3-3. Outgo McGowan, Montano May and Arfield himself, he's not even stripped. And then come Kerr, Tate, Mackay and Pittman.
So 4-3-3, Jerome Prieur in goals, Cammy Kerr, Danny Wilson... Brooklyn, Cobangolo and Dan Finlayson at the back. Across the midfield, Macaulay Tate, Mohamed Silla and Scott Pittman with Lewis Smith, Joel Newbley and Barry Mackay as the strikers. Jack Hamilton, Babacar Fati, Emmanuel Danso, Christian Montano, Robbie Muirhead, Aidan Denham is back after a long injury spell.
Stevie May, Josh Zeman and Samson Lawal are the substitutes. Referee today at Dens is Colin Stephen and the VAR is Grant Irvine.
We heard Hugh and Gordon's take on Marvin Bartley's resignation at the end of the week, Cammie. We've not heard from you on it. Were you surprised that happened on Thursday?
Yeah, I was surprised initially. And then when you hear the story of what's happened and being asked to reapply for the job, I can understand the way he's went about his business and he's stepped away from the club. I think Marvin will be hurting a bit because I think he's done a great job since he's went in. He's steadied the ship, yes.
They didn't get as many wins as he would have wanted to, but certainly they were very competitive, a number of draws, and then they finally got that victory they were looking for for such a long time.
So, yeah, listen, I think it was a little bit strange, but also when you hear the circumstances of being asked to apply for a job that you were almost told you would get the opportunity to lead the club, whether you got relegated or not, I understand why he's made that decision. He's been treated shamefully. But he'll speak for himself, and very soon, and on this programme.
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Chapter 5: What health challenges did Mark Stryjek overcome to return to football?
You'll remember Gordon, the former Rangers striker, Ian Ferguson? Yes. Fergie had that operation and I met him in Glasgow City Centre by accident and he explained what actually happens to you during that operation. I won't go into the details. but for Mark Stryak to be back in football at all is a magnificent achievement.
It says so much about his mentality, Kami, that I think he said that he was back on the bench on the 31st of January after getting open heart surgery in November and he said he was really disappointed that he wasn't starting that game. He wanted to get back out there as quickly as he possibly could and he's now got that jersey back.
Yeah, he has. He's been very good since he's came back as well. I really liked him when Kilmarnock signed him at the start of the season. I thought he'd be an excellent signing, a safe pair of hands, a goalkeeper that's played in Scotland before as well, so understands the league.
And then obviously, unfortunately, I had them circumstances with his heart, but just a great story to see him back on the pitch. He spoke during the week, as you said, and mentioned how big a...
the surgery was and what it meant for his life and he mentioned that it put football into perspective a little bit I think he's proposed to his null fiancée anyways recently as well so it's great to see them good stories when he's back on the pitch but also playing really well for Kilmarnock as well and I mentioned it before the game he is a big influence on the sort of change they've had defensively I think he's a top goalkeeper but also I know he's a big character in the changing room as well
yeah well he has a clean sheet as it stands in that game between Kilmarnock and St Mirren Kilmarnock are 1-0 up another story from this week yesterday Andy Halliday announcing his retirement three games to go for Motherwell at the end of this season his contract's up he's deciding that this is the time to call it a day
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Chapter 6: How did Andy Halliday announce his retirement and what does it mean for Motherwell?
Yeah, and I'll tell you what, brilliant and mother-willing. You've got to congratulate them. Fitting that Andy's got his name on the bench, you know, and the dates and everything where he sat for so, so long. So, no, listen, there comes a time. He's doing very well in the pundit situation now. I think he sees that as his future. And...
He's been great and I'll tell you it was amazing because I've heard, I wasn't there, at the Motherwell Player of the Year the manager stood up and raved about him for about 30 minutes and that's a guy that's hardly featured under the Motherwell manager so it shows you the professional that Andy is and he's had a great career Andy, you've got to say that and as I say he'll be into this punditry stuff now and I'm sure it'll
big factor in the game it was quite emotional last night he came on Super School Board for 10 minutes and quite emotional as was Scott Allen because of course the two of them were brought up together in the same class at school together but he's got all these coaching badges I don't think he'll I don't think he'll
you know punditry will be the beginning and the end of it for him I think he'll want to be involved in football yeah I think I've known Andy as well we spent a season with him at Rangers brilliant brilliant guy and obviously he's fantastic as a pundit as well so I think he's got a lot to offer punditry wise but I really do look at his coaching career now I see Andy's a very clever guy understands the game and reads the game really well so it wouldn't surprise me to see him in a club pretty pretty soon
Yeah and he can always fall back on his wife if it all goes wrong because she's quite successful but yeah you're right he's got his own wee coaching school as well there I think he does with his brother and everything so he's already set everything in motion for his career and it's ahead away from football He'll miss the dressing room, there's no doubt about that.
Every player will tell you the one thing to do is you miss that dressing room day to day. But there comes a time where you've just got to put the nail there and just stick your boots up and forget all about it and go on with your life. I hope he doesn't get a club. I won't get a lift home then.
Do you think there's a chance he features in the final three games of the season? I don't know how his Achilles is, but maybe get some sort of send-off?
No, I don't think the manager's that kind of man. I think when you're looking at that league, and if Hibs win this afternoon, Motherwell have got a very difficult game against Hearts tonight, as we all know. I don't think it'll be a case of, right, Andy, you've been brilliant for us, we'll give you...
a bit of game time I don't think that will come into it at all and let me say I don't think Andy Halliday would expect that unless you want to bring him on to the last five minutes against Celtic and let the Celtic fans have one last chance yeah just one last chant he's the only guy that played with Rangers that won Celtics player of the year and I've got to say there's no doubt he's achieved that
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Chapter 7: What are the implications of St Mirren's performance against Kilmarnock?
not caring what happens so they were incentivised but now they are heavily incentivised because they can feel mother hibs on their shoulders now
I've just got a feeling that Motherwell tonight will make it very difficult for Hearts I know that was it 0-0 the last time at Firpark and then obviously Fraser talks about that fantastic game at Tyne Castle early on where Motherwell taught Hearts a football lesson how times change because at half time with the report coming in half the Hearts fans had left the stadium
There's absolutely no chance that's going to happen in the next few games. But I've got to say, I just got a little sneaky that I'm not saying that Motherwell have got to win it. I don't think Hearts are walking away with three points.
No.
No, I don't. I honestly don't. I think at first part, the way Motherwell play, and if you look at their overall record throughout the season, at home, they do not lose a lot of goals. I think it was David Freelick touched on it and said that Hearts Away record isn't that great, but you've got a lot to play for tonight.
Of course, they have the incentives, they're all there, but I just think Motherwell's got to have a massive say because Celtic have still to go there and obviously all eyes on Hearts tonight.
Yeah, Hearts away record is worse than Celtics and worse by Rangers but not by too much really but still is not as good as their home record. There's a chance for Dundee. It was Simon Murray with a close range shot but that was saved by Prior in the Livingston goal so it stays 1-0 to Dundee in that game but Dundee looking the more likely to go and get the second goal.
I just wonder what that is like for the Livingston players having been relegated will it be tough to find that motivation for the last three games of the season when there is a bit of upheaval at the club with their manager leaving I think yes it will be tough if you're sitting there and you know you've still got to be part of the club but
Look, if you want to leave the club, you've got to show other people what you're all about. If you want to stay in the club and you want a new contract, you've then got to produce. So as much as a thing of, in the back of your mind, look, we're relegated, it doesn't matter what we do, I still think there's a bit to play for.
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Chapter 8: How are teams positioned for the upcoming playoff matches?
There's one man that's certainly seen this coming, the man sitting to his left, Dazzler, but that's an astonishing scoreline so far in this first half. Genuinely, Dazz, I'm pretty sure you didn't see 3-0 in the first half away from home coming from Hibs.
No, I've seen an early start for Hibs too, but I didn't see 3 until the second half, so I'm not going to take all the credit for it, but it puts a little bit of pressure on looking up now at Motherwell tonight.
Ryan Christie's been sent off for Bournemouth. 41 minutes into their game for serious foul play.
Not like him. We'll see that later on.
What about another Scot down south this week? John McGinn. Aston Villa into the Europa League final. What about those two strikes from John McGinn?
He's just having a golden season. He'll be looking forward to America. But he's got an awful lot to achieve before then. He's just a... all-round success story.
Who did they get in the final?
They are playing Freiburg here. Yeah, listen, John McGinn's been phenomenal, especially since he's came back from his injury. I think he's just went to the next level. You were almost a little bit concerned when he got that operation. How's he going to react? How's he going to come back? For me, he's came back even better. He's having a brilliant time at Astonville. He's a true leader.
He's a fantastic player. For me... When Aston Villa play and John McGinn doesn't play, there's a huge difference in the team. I think he makes the whole club tick the way that he goes about his business and he's a top player. So, listen, you just look at the success he's had down there, his time. He's nearly been down there for, he must be touching 10 years now, coming up for it.
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