Cup semis ahead this weekend

Home of semis
By Graham Barnstaple
April 13 2012

We will know the Scottish Cup finalists for this season by Sunday afternoon with both semi finals being played this weekend.

Both Semis are intriguing, the first on Saturday sees two bottom six sides take on each other, withAberdeencoming up against Hibs. There is no doubt both sides have massively underachieved this season, with Hibs still flirting with relegation ahead of the last five games of the season.

 

This should be a tight game with both teams struggling to score goals, and after their poor start to the season they have both decided to stiffen things up and stop losing goals to aid their improvement.

 

This led to key signings for both sides in January, with Mark Reynolds joiningAberdeenon loan from Sheff Weds, and for Hibs James McPake joined fromCoventryalso on loan.

 

They have both helped their sides shore up defensively and move away from the bottom spot.

 

Having said that I believe the key to the game will be the strike force of Leigh Griffiths and Gerry O’Connor for Hibs. If they can turn it on then I think this will give the Hibees the chance of securing their first Cup success since 1902 (it has to be mentioned!!).

 

The other semi on Sunday sees Champions Celtic take on Hearts in a game that is also difficult to predict. Mainly as you still don’t know what version of Hearts will turn up for any game this season.

 

They still seem to be in a constant state of confusion and who knows what will happen. On the other hand, the same can’t be said for Celtic who are basking in clinching the title last week.

 

The only question mark over Celtic will be how motivated they are to win the Scottish Cup as well as the title. I am sure they will be keen to make up for the League Cup defeat to Killie and this will give them the edge in this game.