With both sets of the Old Firm facing SPL opponents in the quarter final stage of the Scottish cup, the competition is beginning to heat up as we approach the business end.
Minted in 1885 the Scottish cup enjoys an unrivalled rich history, having seen a number of clubs, from all regions of the country, both compete for, and win, the prestigious prize.
Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic have undoubtedly dominated proceedings in recent years, although the cash rich clubs haven’t always had it their own way, with the traditional `cup upset` keeping punters on their toes.
The first form of the knockout competition was won by Queens Park, who followed up that early success with another nine throughout their existence, boasting the third best success rate in the country. Now plying their trade in the third division the amateur side are far from the dominant force they once were.
With entry requirements allowing all member clubs admission each season as well as allowing a selection of smaller, non member clubs to participate, an annual `giant killing` is inevitable, keeping the romance of the tournament very much alive.
Arguably the most famous toppling of a super power by a supposed weaker side came in the form of highlanders Inverness Caledonian Thistle`s surprise 3-1 victory over Celtic, prompting a memorable piece of sports journalism when the headline “Super Caley Go Ballistic Celtic Are Atrocious” appeared in the following days Sun newspaper. Caley were eliminated in the last round however and fellow highlanders Ross County (125/1 Victor Chandler) and Raith Rovers (250/1 Victor Chadler) represent the lower leagues only chance of success.
Boasting a runners-up medal from his time at Falkirk, manager John Hughes has now relocated to the capital, taking charge at Hibernian. Despite starting their SPL campaign in admirable fashion the Hibees have failed to lift the silverware since 1902 and bookmakers reckon Hughes will have his work cut out if he is to repeat last year’s heroics, being a market best price of 5/1 with BWin.
City rivals Hearts enjoyed success rather more recently however with their 2006 triumph over Gretna making them the only non Old Firm side in the last twelve years to take home the cup, moving Totesport to offer them at an appealing 14/1.
Having lifted the famous trophy a record number of 34 times, despite not adding to that since their 2007 1-0 win over Dunfermline, it is little wonder that Celtic lead the betting with the best price being offered by Totesport at 7/4.
Following a tremendous SPL and Scottish cup winning double last term Rangers are, rather predictably, not far behind their oldest rivals in the betting market. Nacho Novo`s screamer secured a 1-0 victory over Falkirk last season and the blue side of Glasgow are chasing not only their third Scottish cup in a row but, more importantly to the fans, their 34th in total, bringing them back on a par with Celtic.
Fans of Walter Smith`s men can collect 9/4 with Victor Chandler.
Scottish Cup quarter-final draw
Rangers or St Mirren v Dundee United
Hibernian v Ross County
Kilmarnock v Celtic
Dundee v Aberdeen or Raith Rovers
Ties to be played on 13/14 March
