Hearts face Celtic today in a massive Scottish Cup final clash at Hampden Park as both sides look to write themselves into the history books.
The holders are chasing a fourth consecutive treble, Celtic dominating all before them domestically in recent seasons. Hearts have a second chance to end their run, having lost the 2019 final, last winning the tournament in 2012.
Hampden repeat on the cards. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
In terms of match fitness, they couldn’t have timed this match much better. This is the biggest pool of players Tynecastle boss Robbie Neilson has had to pick from this season, outside a few long-term absentees.
John Souttar is the only big name who’s definitely out of the final as his hard run of injury woe continues. Outside of that, he has a full Jambos squad of players to pick from at Hampden Park.
Whether a more defensive mindset is opted for remains to be seen, a tactic of sitting deep working well against Celtic in recent weeks. Interestingly though, Neilson noted he had a rough idea about his team weeks ago.
Neilson knows his team. (Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Craig Gordon will start against his former club in one certainty. Christophe Berra has come back into the side in recent weeks but whether he is picked to face Odsonne Edouard is another matter.
Craig Halkett is a likely starter alongside either him, if selected, or Mihai Popescu who could return for a more athletic approach. The attack is very easy to put together with standout names apparent, Josh Ginnelly’s return a welcome one. But holding midfield is likely a bit more difficult.
Andy Halliday, Peter Haring, Olly Lee Andy Irving are all potential picks. The latter two are the most attacking of the four and may just be used to pick holes in the Celtic defensive line.
Lee could be used. (Photo by Euan Cherry/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Here’s who we think will starts for Hearts against the Hoops.