Ahead of the Game

The Herald’s Head of Sport Stewart Weir hosts today’s international ‘Ahead of the Game’ prior to Scotland’s opening World Cup qualifying tie against Malta in Valletta on Sunday. Joining Stewart is Graeme MacPherson and The Herald’s chief football writer Matthew Lindsay who is travelling to Malta for the game. Prior to this crucial tie as Scotland attempt to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998, they’ll be discussing Scotland’s chances, the lack of real quality in central defence and in attack, the loss of Leigh Griffiths and the pressure that is on manager Gordon Strachan.

Head of Sport Stewart Weir and Group Sports Writer Scott Mullen join Online Sports Editor Alasdair Mackenzie in the studio to reflect on a busy weekend in the top-flight. With Rangers stuttering with a draw away to Kilmarnock and Celtic recording a comfortable 4-1 win over Aberdeen at Parkhead, we discuss the shape the two teams are in ahead of the upcoming Old Firm clash. Hearts have found some form and the performances of John Souttar and Tony Watt have some fans calling for Scotland call-ups, but who is in the best shape to challenge the Bhoys? Scott has also had his prayers answered after Chris Cadden was eventually called up to the Scotland Under-21 squad, and he tells us all about his afternoon watching a 0-0 draw between Motherwell and Dundee at Fir Park.

Alasdair Mackenzie is joined by Scott Mullen and Graeme McGarry to look ahead to the weekend's action, as Rangers prepare for a trip to Rugby Park and last season's top two face off at Celtic Park. Joe Garner looks in line to make his Gers debut this evening and we question whether or not the English striker can make an immediate impact at Ibrox, as well as scrutinising Mark Warburton's efforts to get a 90-minute performance from his team. Stefan Johansen is poised to leave Celtic and we reflect on his time at Parkhead, as well as considering whether Aberdeen have what it takes to bring points back to the north-east. With Scott heading to Fir Park for Motherwell v Dundee and Graeme off to Firhill for Partick Thistle v Hearts tomorrow, the guys reveal what they expect to see in their respective matches. Elsewhere in the league, Hamilton and Inverness are desperate for points and host Ross County and St Johnstone respectively as they look to get their seasons up and running.

Our sports team discuss Monday's Scotland squad announcement and look back over the weekend's action in the Scottish Premiership. Christopher Jack and Scott Mullen join Alasdair Mackenzie in the studio today to give their reaction to the latest news. Gordon Strachan named his team to face Malta next Sunday in the opening World Cup qualifier, with the likes of Ross McCormack and Shaun Maloney being left out.

The Herald and Times sports team react to a busy day of news as Celtic captain Scott Brown announces his international retirement and Joleon Lescott's move to Rangers falls through. Head of Sport Stewart Weir and Chief Football Writer Matthew Lindsay join Online Sports Editor Alasdair Mackenzie in the studio to discuss Friday's headlines while looking ahead to week three action in the Scottish top-flight. We reflect on Celtic's memorable 5-2 Champions League playoff win against Hapoel Be'er Sheva on Wednesday and look ahead to a busy schedule for the Hoops, who play St Johnstone and the return leg with the Israeli champions in the space of four days.

The Herald and Times sports team look back on the action in week two of the Scottish Premiership as well as reflecting on a golden night for Andy Murray as he successfully defended his Olympic men's singles title. Alasdair Mackenzie is joined by Scott Mullen and Graeme McGarry in the studio to analyse the weekend's action on a game-by-game basis. Rangers recorded their first win of the season against Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday, but Harry Forrester could've been sent off and Mark Warburton's side again displayed defensive frailties. Aberdeen and Hearts are yet to get going after a bore draw at Pittodrie, while Motherwell's worrying start to the campaign continued with a home defeat against St Johnstone. Liam Boyce was the hero for Ross County after netting a hat-trick in the Highland Derby against Inverness and Kilmarnock recorded a surprise 2-1 comeback win against relegation rivals Hamilton. We finish by discussing Murray's win over Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina in Sunday night's Olympic men's singles final and question whether he is the greatest in the world at the moment. Ahead of the Game is out every Monday and Friday. Want to get involved? Email socialmedia@heraldandtimes.co.uk

The Ahead of the Game team look ahead to the second week of top-flight action in Scotland, as well as debating Celtic's decision to postpone their league match for a friendly. The Hoops will travel to face Inter for an International Champions Cup match in Limerick this weekend, a move which infuriated Partick Thistle boss Alan Archibald as his side are forced to postpone their meeting with the champions. We also look ahead to Rangers' trip to face Dundee at Dens Park, with the hosts on the verge of selling star forward Greg Stewart to Birmingham City. There's a mouth-watering clash between last season's second and third-placed teams Aberdeen and Hearts at Pittodrie, in addition to the Highland Derby in Inverness. Hamilton face Kilmarnock in what looks like a relegation six-pointer, while St Johnstone travel to face a Motherwell side fresh from receiving a hammering from Celtic in midweek. Ahead of the Game is out every Monday and Friday.