In what is perhaps one of the most highly anticipated Scottish Cup Finals in recent history, Celtic and Rangers will clash at the Hampden showpiece, marking their first meeting in 22 years.

The tides have shifted leading up to this matchup, with Celtic emerging as the clear favorites after a strong finish to the Premiership season, securing eight wins in their last nine matches. While Rangers faced setbacks, Celtic cruised to an eight-point lead in the title race, aiming to secure a Double victory at Hampden.

Despite the prevailing sense of uncertainty surrounding Philippe Clement and Rangers, they too have a shot at claiming a Double, having already triumphed in the League Cup in December. A victory in this final would signal brighter prospects ahead for the team. As tensions rise, Clement expresses willingness to take risks as both teams gear up for what promises to be an intriguing battle across all areas of the pitch.

Key matchups to watch include Maeda versus Tavernier, with Maeda emerging as a crucial player for Celtic, often flying under the radar amidst the spotlight on James Forrest. Tavernier, eager to redeem himself after a previous encounter, aims to make his mark. Cantwell versus McGregor will also be a pivotal duel, with Cantwell showcasing his prowess in recent performances and McGregor proving his worth for Celtic. Lastly, Dessers versus Carter-Vickers will be a clash to watch, with both players eager to make their mark in front of goal.

As the tension mounts and the stakes rise, the stage is set for a memorable showdown between these two Scottish football giants at Hampden.

Could this be Celtic’s standout individual season since the era of Moussa Dembele? It’s a strong contender. A force to be reckoned with, Matt O’Riley’s performance has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite Lawrence Shankland’s jaw-dropping scoring spree curbing his chances, O’Riley racked up a mind-boggling 19 goals and 18 assists from a central midfield position. The thought of trying to keep him in check at Hampden would send shivers down any defender’s spine.

Now, who will be entrusted with that daunting task? Mohamed Diomande has been the backbone of Rangers’ midfield lately, especially after John Lundstram’s dismissal in the previous derby. It looks like Diomande will once again step into that vital role. To solidify his place as a crucial asset for Rangers moving ahead, he must demonstrate that he can compete with the finest. Wherever his journey leads him next, encountering someone better than O’Riley will be a rare occurrence.