Scottish Cup Semi-Final Draw: Hampden Park Awaits
The dust has settled on the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, and the semi-final matchups are set! Four teams remain in the hunt for the coveted trophy, with Hampden Park hosting the thrilling semi-final clashes on the weekend of April 19th and 20th. This year's draw promises exciting battles between some of Scotland's top football clubs.
The Semi-Final Showdowns
The draw, conducted on March 10th following the Livingston vs St Johnstone quarter-final, revealed some mouthwatering matchups:
- Hearts vs Aberdeen: A classic Scottish rivalry renewed. Both teams are eager to reach the final after their semi-final exits last season. Aberdeen's last win was in 1990, while Hearts last triumphed in 2012.
- Celtic vs St Johnstone: A clash of titans against an underdog story. Defending champions Celtic, aiming for a record-breaking 43rd Scottish Cup victory, face a St Johnstone side brimming with confidence after their quarter-final upset. St Johnstone, winners in 2021, will be dreaming of another Hampden triumph.
Road to Hampden
The quarter-finals saw some dramatic encounters. Hearts secured their place with a 3-1 win over Dundee, while Aberdeen comfortably defeated Queen's Park 4-1, ending the Spiders' giant-killing run. Celtic continued their dominant form, beating Hibernian 2-0, and St Johnstone edged out Livingston 1-0 thanks to Graham Carey's stunning goal.
Looking Ahead
The semi-finals promise intense competition. Celtic, on a treble chase, will be heavy favorites against St Johnstone, but the Perth side will undoubtedly give their all. The Hearts vs Aberdeen match-up is equally unpredictable, with both teams possessing the firepower to reach the final. The weekend of April 19th/20th will be a must-watch for Scottish football fans.
Where to Watch
BBC Scotland televised the Livingston vs St Johnstone quarter-final and the subsequent draw, offering live coverage and streaming on BBC iPlayer. Further details on broadcast coverage for the semi-finals will be announced soon, but expect Premier Sports to be involved.
Get ready for a thrilling Scottish Cup semi-final weekend at Hampden Park!