The stage is set for a massive Scottish Cup Semi-Final this Sunday as Celtic and St Mirren clash at Hampden Park. For the reigning Scottish champions, this is a golden opportunity to secure a place in the final and keep their double hopes alive, before the intense Premiership title run-in resumes.

St Mirren, however, will be no pushovers. They arrive with the confidence of having beaten Celtic 3-1 at Hampden just last season to lift the Premier Sports Cup, a memory that will fuel their belief. While Celtic edged a 1-0 league win last weekend, the performance was far from convincing, giving interim boss Craig McLeish plenty of tactical hope.

Team news presents a significant challenge for Celtic. They will be without the suspended Liam Scales, while key long-term injuries rule out Kasper Schmeichel, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, and Julian Araujo. There is a glimmer of hope with Callum Osmand and Alistair Johnston stepping up their recoveries, but this match likely comes too soon. The potential return of Colby Donovan from a knock and an increased role for Arne Engels could provide a vital boost.

With a cup final spot on the line and pride at stake, this promises to be a tense and thrilling encounter under the Hampden lights. Every tackle, save, and moment of skill will be crucial as both teams fight for the right to contest for one of Scottish football's most historic trophies.