Celtic and Heart of Midlothian are set to go head-to-head in a second consecutive William Hill Scottish Cup final as the 2019/20 competition draws to a long-awaited close.
In a festive first, the showpiece event at Hampden Park will play out in front of an empty stadium after a long, COVID hit delay.
For both sides, it is an opportunity to bring their supporters some Christmas joy, with the fixture set to be watched through television screens this afternoon.
Celtic are aiming for an historic day in Glasgow following their treble success three years on the bounce. After overcoming Aberdeen last month by two goals to nil, the current holders have a fourth successive treble in their sights.
Heart of Midlothian make their way to Hampden Park from the Capital in search of another Scottish Cup success, which would be their first since 2012. The Edinburgh outfit defeated their city rivals Hibernian in the semi-final in dramatic fashion, edging the encounter 2-1 after extra time.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon is aiming for an eighth victory in a Scottish Cup final, having lifted the trophy four times as a player and three as a manager.
The Hoops boss insists all of his players are in contention for a spot in his starting eleven at the weekend as his side look to build on their upturn in form.
He said: “As regards team selection, there will be no sentimentality involved in my thinking behind that with my backroom team.
“It is a cup final, a game we want to win. Everyone is in contention and I have to pick the best team for the occasion and to help us win another trophy.”
For Robbie Neilson, Sunday presents an opportunity for the Hearts manager to taste success for the second time in the Scottish Cup, following a memorable day in 2006 as a player.
The Jambo’s boss could make history as the first man to lift the trophy as both a player and manager for the club, but insists the preparations have remained the same for his team.
He said: “It’s a bit surreal. The Scottish Cup final is usually the climax of the season in the sunshine. We’re just glad to be there and looking forward to it. Hopefully, it’s a decent Christmas present for the fans.
“The build-up is still the same whether it’s now or the end of the season. You still have a good week’s training leading into it.”
Neil Lennon said Celtic are on the brink of a monumental achievement if they can win the Scottish Cup final this afternoon but said his side face a difficult game against a very good Hearts side.
Celtic would secure their 12th consecutive trophy if they were to defeat Hearts in Sunday’s final. Victory also see Celtic clinch an incredible quadruple Treble.
Manager Neil Lennon said such an achievement would be remarkable and added it would have a knock-on effect for his side in the upcoming league games.
“We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s a great occasion despite there not being any supporters there but we know the gravity of what lies ahead of us. It’s a remarkable situation to find ourselves in and hopefully one we can make the best of an overcome.
“It’s about the team and what they can achieve. I’m only as good as them. ‘We’re one step away from making history. I think it’s monumental and I don’t think we’ll see it again in our lifetime.
“Psychologically it would be good for us. Twelve trophies in a row would be something you’d never see again and I think it would give the players a massive shot in the arm.”
Today’s final sees Celtic face Hearts for the second consecutive time in the Scottish Cup final. The Hoops claimed a 2-1 win against Hearts in the 2018/19 final but Neil Lennon warned that experience will only make Hearts a more dangerous side this weekend.
“I have to be warry in not talking us up all the time,” said the Celtic boss. “We have a very good team to play against who’ll be highly motivated themselves. We won the last cup final against them and some of their players are still there so I’m sure they’ll want to avenge that.
“They’re packed full of Premiership quality players. We know Craig very well, he was an outstanding servant here and an outstanding goalkeeper. We’re under no illusions coming into this, it’s not a case of us turning up and winning the game.
“Psychologically, Hearts could be in a better place for this final. They had a great win in the semi-final against a very good Hibs team. They showed their metal and that they can compete with some of the best teams in the Premiership. Psychologically, they’re coming into the game with confidence and that’s off the back of winning games.”
Hearts will honour the memory of Marius Zaliukas when the team takes to the field in this Sunday’s Scottish Cup Final against Celtic at Hampden.
Every player will wear the number 26 on the front of their shorts in honour of our legendary Scottish Cup winning captain.
Everyone associated with the club was shocked and saddened to learn of Marius’ passing in October. Adored by the maroon faithful, the Lithuanian defender is a Hearts legend in every sense of the word and the men in maroon look forward to paying tribute to him this afternoon.
Scotland’s ‘COVID Cup Final’ kicks of at 2.15pm. It’s live on BBC Scotland.
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