The 139th edition of the Scottish Cup will see Celtic begin their defence of the oldest trophy in world football in the fourth round when they meet Highland League minnows Buckie Thistle.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are, of course, warm favourites to reclaim their crown, but with the fourth-round drawn not throwing up any banana skins for Scotland’s biggest clubs, this could well be a fascinating competition.
Celtic, of course, were eliminated at the first hurdle of the League Cup by Kilmarnock, and the pressure is on the side from the East End of Glasgow to avoid such an embarrassment again.
The Hoops, though, are best priced at 2.75 (Betway)
to win the trophy for a second successive year an extend their record of 41 title wins. Indeed, they have won the trophy in five of the last seven campaigns.
| Years | Scottish Cup Winners |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Celtic |
| 2021-22 | Rangers |
| 2020-21 | St Johnstone |
| 2019-20 | Celtic |
| 2018-19 | Celtic |
| 2017-18 | Celtic |
| 2016-17 | Celtic |
| 2015-16 | Hibernian |
| 2014-15 | Inverness CT |
| 2013-14 | St Johnstone |
Sitting top of the Premiership table, they have justified this status thanks to a couple of Old Firm victories over Rangers, yet there is little doubt that Philippe Clement’s side have shut the gap in recent times.
Rangers, after all, have suffered only one defeat since the Belgian took charge in October. That came via the 2-1 loss they suffered at Parkhead in the derby match before New Year, making them attractive value at 3.25 (William Hill)
to go all the way.
The Gers do not have a testing first-round match as they will face fourth-tier Dumbarton, although playing away from home on a substandard grass park will mean that there is an element of jeopardy to their challenge.
Delicate footwork and a pinpoint finish 👌@PartickThistle's Blair Alston won Goal of the Third Round, and helped The Jags into the Fourth Round, where they will face Ross County. #ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/Gz6oAG4vpH
— Scottish Gas Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) January 17, 2024
But the nature of cup competitions means that they are more open than the league. That has already been illustrated in Scotland with Aberdeen reaching the final of the League Cup, so who are the sides that could cause an upset here if they get a kind draw?
Hearts lie third in the Scottish Premiership standings and boast Lawrence Shankland, the league’s leading scorer. There is some doubt about his future as the end of the January transfer market looms, and without him the Jambos would surely struggle.
Equally, though, the Edinburgh side are waiting for numerous long-term injury problems to clear and they should have a strong squad for the second half of the season. At 13 (bet365)
, there is value here.
⏰ All of your kick-off times for this weekend's Fourth Round action.
📺 Look out for the four matches shown live across @BBCScotland, @BBCOne Scotland and @ViaplaySportsUK.#ScottishCup
— Scottish Gas Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) January 18, 2024
Aberdeen have already proven that they can do it in knockout competitions this season via their League Cup run, yet Kilmarnock could be dangerous outsiders. Derek McInnes’ side have beaten both Rangers (twice) and Celtic at home this season and lie fourth in the league. Killie have a tough fourth-round draw against Dundee, but their home record is excellent and their price of 50 (bet365)
looks very generous given the results they have achieved this term.
It is harder to make a case for the Premiership’s other clubs. Hibs are frustratingly inconsistent, Motherwell have barely won since August, St Mirren are on the slide while St Johnstone, Livingston and Ross County are liable to be preoccupied with avoiding relegation.
As ever, the likeliest winner comes between Celtic and Rangers, with the former holding the edge presently, though the delicate balance of power in Glasgow could yet shift before the final in May. For real value, Hearts and Kilmarnock offer good value as outside bets.
