OUR PREDICTIONS

DAILY POLL

DAVID McCARTHY

It will be a tight, edgy affair but St Johnstone are going into the final in great form and Callum Davidson has plenty of options from middle to front as well as a real presence at set pieces. They’ll have just enough to win a full-blooded encounter. LIVINGSTON...1 ST JOHNSTONE...2

GAVIN BERRY

David Wotherspoon’s availability is a big boost for the Perth side and they can edge it, just as they did when the sides met in the league last month. But Saints might need extra-time to get there.

LIVINGSTON...1 ST JOHNSTONE...2 MICHAEL GANNON

This one is on a knife edge regardless of recent form. Livingston will fight tooth and nail but Saints will just about sneak it in the most dramatic of fashion. I’m backing St Johnstone to win on penalties LIVINGSTON...1 ST JOHNSTONE...1

FRASER WILSON

This is so tight I tossed a coin and even it landed on its edge. The first goal will be crucial and something tells me Livi – with talisman Scott Robinson back from injury – will get it, then fight like Lions to lift the silverware. LIVINGSTON...1 ST JOHNSTONE...0

JONNY McFARLANE

Hampden will see a fairytale ending to David Martindale’s tumultuous life story when he lifts the Cup as Livingston boss. While St Johnstone are in terrific form and will feel they can lift the old trophy for the first time, the Lions’ intensity is hard to match.

You can’t imagine their boss, who has shown a keen tactical acumen, will let his side falter at the final hurdle and ruin the last chapter of a redemption story straight out of Hollywood. LIVINGSTON...2 ST JOHNSTONE...1

WILL Rangers see off Slavia Prague to reach the quarterfinals of the Europa League?

RANGERS fans adopted “Welcome to the Party” as the anthem for their travels after a tie in Denmark a couple of years ago.

But Euro hero Nathan Patterson shouldn’t have been greeted at the recent bash that landed him and four team-mates in hot water.

From the doghouse to delirium in less than a fortnight but rival fans insists he, Bongani Zungu and Calvin Bassey shouldn’t be available to play.

Tom Paterson, Falkirk, said: “Can someone explain why the Rangers Covidiots have not been hammered by the club and SFA?

“These players shouldn’t get near a football pitch until the punishment is decided.”

Harry Fitzpatrick, Ontario, said: “I keep hearing Steven Gerrard using the word consistency. So how does he feel when other teams’ players are punished for breaking Covid rules and his aren’t?”

Liam Birney, Paisley, said: “I am dismayed at Rangers’ response to the five Covidiots. A slap on the wrist then back into the fold. Celtic’s one breach resulted in the player being shown the door.”

Brian McColligan said: “Rangers sacrificed two players who were never going to play when they breached Covid rules and were applauded by the Scottish Government. Now, because they need a right-back, the morals get ditched because the player’s apologised and he gets rewarded by playing in Europe. Shocking double standards.”

Gordon Hendry, Ochiltree, said: “It was a fantastic result on Thursday but, as a Rangers fan, Gerrard owes us an explanation as to why two of the players – Patterson and Zungu – were allowed to play. Apart from breaking Covid protocols, Zungu shouldn’t even be near this squad as he’s not Rangers class. Why are