Where will big shocks lie in feast of Cup action?
THE first round of this season’s Scottish Cup might have taken place at the end of September but, with the introduction of the big guns this weekend, the 143-year-old tournament finally has the full and undivided attention of the nation. While the tie of the round is unquestionably Hearts’ clash with Aberdeen at Tynecastle on Saturday evening, the enduring appeal of this stage is the potential for a spot of giant killing. Here, JOHN McGARRY takes a look at the possibility of David slaying Goliath.
MOTHERWELL v COVE RANGERS
JUST because Motherwell appear to have turned the corner under Mark McGhee isn’t to say the Fir Park faithful will approach this one with a sense of complacency.
Two years ago the Steelmen had their Scottish Cup hopes killed off by Albion Rovers, while Morton put paid to their ambitions of advancing in this year’s League Cup.
Currently sitting second in the Highland League, Cove make the trip from Aberdeen with little expectation on them but no shortage of experience in the likes of former Inverness stalwart Roy McBain and ex-Dundee United midfielder Stuart Duff.
Provided Scott McDonald’s purple patch continues, the home side should have enough to prevail but it could be a long afternoon if the early goal doesn’t arrive.
SHOCK POTENTIAL
AIRDRIEONIANS v DUNDEE UNITED
TOP of the list of things you don’t want when you’re in United’s current fragile state is an assignment such as this.
While somehow clawing back the 11-point gap between themselves and the Premiership relegation play-off spot is the clear priority, what a defeat here would do to morale at Tannadice is not worth thinking about.
For all there is undoubtedly talent in their ranks, Mixu Paatelainen’s men have shown little heart for the fight of late. Recent form also suggests that even if United strike first, they are by no means home and hosed.
Now under the stewardship of former Glasgow City manager Eddie Wolecki Black, the Diamonds are just outside the promotion play-offs in League One and have nothing to lose.
SHOCK POTENTIAL
DUNFERMLINE v ROSS COUNTY
WITH six straight wins under their belt, Allan Johnston’s side now appear to be motoring towards the League One title.
The Pars have knocked Dundee out of the League Cup this season and eliminated title rivals Ayr United in the previous round of the Scottish Cup.
With another bumper crowd expected at East End Park, former Pars boss Jim McIntyre will need no one to tell him how tall an order this will be — even against a side two divisions below County.
The 2010 finalists’ hopes of avoiding this potential banana skin haven’t been helped with the loss of star striker Liam Boyce to injury. May even take a replay to separate the sides.
SHOCK POTENTIAL RAITH ROVERS v HIBERNIAN
FOURTH in the Championship plays third and if Saturday’s dress rehearsal at Easter Road — a 1-0 win for Hibs — is anything to go by, this will be a fraught afternoon for Alan Stubbs’ side.
Ray McKinnon’s men have been patchy this season — they won five league games on the bounce early on but have followed that up with just one win in eight. Yet they’ll have taken much from their display at the weekend — if not the final score.
The over-riding priority for the Leith men remains catching Rangers in the league race but the predictable mentions of 1902 around this time brings its own pressure.
Hibs have looked a little leggy of late and if the Stark’s Park surface is heavy, they might do well to take their place in the hat.
SHOCK POTENTIAL
STRANRAER v CELTIC
A WALK in the park for Ronny Deila’s men? You would think so. And, provided they have their game-heads on, it will be.
As ever with these kind of matches, it’s all about getting the early goal, dispiriting the minnows by starving them of possession and getting over the line as quickly as possible.
Some 15 years ago, Martin O’Neill’s side posted a 4-1 win at Stair Park in the third round as they closed in on the Treble.
Sitting eighth in League One, Brian Reid’s side appear to have next to no hope of pulling off what would be one of the all-time great shocks but two fine festive wins over Stenhousemuir and Ayr at least have their tails up.
SHOCK POTENTIAL
RANGERS V COWDENBEATH
RANGERS’ record in cup competitions since their financial implosion in 2012 has been nothing short of abysmal but surely there won’t be another episode to add to the pile on Sunday?
After an indifferent end to 2015, Mark Warburton’s side are now back on form with a crucial win over Hibs followed by a thumping of Dumbarton. If that vein of form continues, Cowden’s teenage keeper Jamie Sneddon will be a busy man.
The Blue Brazil’s best hope lies with sitting deep, packing the defence and hoping against hope that Rangers’ strike force simply has an off day. But even that is unlikely to be enough.
Colin Nish, now player-manager at Central Park, will be looking at the game primarily in terms of his young charges gathering experience.
SHOCK POTENTIAL