Fans of four Scottish Premiership clubs are patiently waiting with their diaries at the ready after the semi-final line-up for the Scottish Cup semi final draw was conducted at Cappielow on Monday night.
But Rangers fans reckon they already know they will be contesting a Sunday showdown with Hearts for a place in the final on May 25. Why? Well, there’s two reasons actually. The first is the fact that, incredibly, they haven’t had a Saturday semi final at Hampden for FIFTEEN years.
And the second is that Philippe Clement’s men are chasing glory on FOUR fronts. That includes the Europa League, where they face Benfica in the second leg of their last-16 tie on Thursday night following a 2-2 draw in Lisbon in the first game. If Rangers can finish the job then they will be in quarter final action on the Thursday before the semi final weekend – due to be played April 20/21 – which would mean their clash with the Jambos would have to take place on the Sunday. And the TV picks are likely to be announced before they take on the Portuguese giants.
That would see holders Celtic take on Aberdeen on the Saturday in the other semi-final. Incredibly, Rangers haven’t played a semi-final at Hampden since 2009 when they defeated St Mirren 3-0.
Rangers did land a Scottish Cup semi final against Dundee United on a Saturday during the 2013/14 season but that game was on home turf as Hampden was being renovated for the Commonwealth Games. Are they in line for another Sunday date?
List of Rangers Hampden semis since 2009
10/11 Motherwell 2-1
14/15 Celtic 0-2
15/16 Celtic 2-2 (win on pens)
16/17 Celtic 0-1
16/17 Celtic 0-2
17/18 Motherwell 0-2
17/18 Celtic 0-4
18/19: Aberdeen 0-1
19/20: Hearts 3-0
21/22: Hibs 1-3
21/22: Celtic 2-1
22/23: Aberdeen 2-1
22/23: Celtic 0-1
23/24: Hearts 3/1
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
