Motherwell will make the increasingly familiar short drive to Hampden on Saturday to face Aberdeen in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. Can we reach the final?
This Motherwell team has demonstrated that they have all the qualities needed in cup ties. Half the teams in the top flight have already been knocked out of this season’s cups by the Steelmen. In the Betfred Cup, after winning all games in the preliminary section, Ross County, Aberdeen and Rangers were defeated on the way to the final. In the current Scottish Cup campaign Hamilton, Dundee and Hearts have fallen to the men in claret and amber. A fourth appearance at the National Stadium will not faze this team.
Both sides will be without key players. Logan, Shinnie and McLean collected double yellows in previous rounds and Derek McInnes will have to make some radical changes to cope with the suspension of these regulars. Possible replacements are Ball, Stewart and McGinn. We may even see former 'Well favourite Reynolds back in a red shirt.
Earlier meetings suggest a close encounter with two wins apiece. Motherwell won the League Cup clash in September and took the points from Pittodrie in November. The Dons came out on top at both league meetings at Fir Park.
The 'Well captain, Carl McHugh, will have to watch this game from the sidelines due to his suspension and he'll be joined by Tanner and Hartley as they continue long term recuperation. Cadden, Campbell, Ciftci and Dunne were all missing from last week's line-up against St Johnstone and Stephen Robinson will be expected to restore some for the lunchtime kick-off.
Campbell and Cadden have experienced the joy of lifting silverware at Hampden. The pair were in the side that won the SFA Youth Cup two years ago. None will try harder in the quest to lift another trophy.
There is every reason for 'Well fans hope for a return to Hampden at the end of May. They know that their team will not be beaten by any lack of effort or spirit. Let's go with a 2-1 win.