Saturday’s starting XI gave us a glimpse of what to expect at Hampden this weekend for the Scottish Cup Final against Inverness Caley Thistle…
The side that started Trophy Day against Aberdeen gave us a glimpse of what we can expect to see at next weeks cup final against Inverness. The only change I’d assume would be the return of Daizen Maeda who was suspended for Saturday’s clash. The Japanese winger will likely replace liel Abada.
Nobody can say for sure what the starting XI will be. Only one man will know for certain and that is of course Ange Postecoglou, but the way the side was set up and performed yesterday gave us a hint of what to expect at Hampden come Saturday tea time.
The way we approached the game unlike our last few outings didn’t resemble a meaningless end of season game. This game was different, the occasion no doubt helped elevated the players, giving them an extra edge. Hampden will be a similar atmosphere so that bodes well.
Tomoki Iwata looks more comfortable beside Carl Starfelt than Yuki Kobayashi does. Alistair Johnston gives us more strength and agility on the right than Tony Ralston, and the midfield trio picks itself in Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley.
Kyogo of course will the main man up top supported by Daizan Maeda and Jota out wide. There was a bit of a worry over the fitness of Alistair Johnston and Kyogo after they limped out of the win over Aberdeen yesterday. Ange though said they should be fine so I’d expect them to make it.
The way the side dismantled an Aberdeen team who are the currently the third best side in the country was done with particular ease so a similar performance at Hampden will surely see us beat a side who finished six in the championship. Although football can through up surprises, I’m confident we will be celebrating a historic eighth treble.
JustAnOrdinaryBhoy – follow on Twitter @ordinarybhoy
