Rodgers and Robinson prepared for end of season showdown

William Hill Scottish Cup Final
Celtic v Motherwell
Saturday, 19 May 2018, kick-off 3pm
Hampden Park, Glasgow

In a re-run of the League Cup Final this season Celtic and Motherwell will take each other on at the national stadium, but this time the William Hill Scottish Cup is to play for.

The stakes are equally high for both teams as Celtic aim for an unprecedented double treble and Motherwell eye their first Scottish Cup win since 1991.

Celtic go into the game on a high fresh from lifting their seventh Scottish Premiership title in a row.

The town of Motherwell is awash with claret and amber as they prepare for what could be a historic day for the town.

Off the field, Motherwell supporters are also aiming to top the charts at the weekend, with The Banter Thiefs' version of 'Up the Well' going down a treat with 'Well fans.

Pre-match thoughts

Last season, Celtic put to bed years of Hampden hurt by winning both finals.

This year, Brendan Rodgers has sensed a calmness within his squad at the national stadium and is optimistic they thrive on the big stage once again.

Looking ahead to his side’s visit to Hampden, he said: "The players now come with a confidence and I think the supporters come with a confidence as well.

"The players gained a great deal of confidence the first time they came here.

"I think there was a lot of trepidation around coming to Hampden for whatever reason. I think players can believe something if they're told it often enough.

"So we tried to improve the mind-set of the players going into our first semi-final here in the League Cup last season, and then to go on to not only win the final but the way they played, it gave the players a lot of confidence.

"If we want to be successful - which the demand at a club like Celtic is - then you have to be able to play at your national stadium and to be able to win. The players have done that exceptionally well.

"You hear talk around these games that it's the team that wants it more. Finals are a bit more than that."

Stephen Robinson is well aware of the battle his side face in the Final but having fare well against Celtic already this season, he believes his side can go one step further and grind out a win.

He said: “It's a hard task but certainly not an impossible one.

"I don't think there is any point in turning up if we don’t believe we can win.

"We certainly are not just turning up to make up the numbers.

"The belief is not ill founded, really. Constantly we search through teams that have caused them problems and a lot of the footage was us.

"I know we have affected them. I know we were a minute away from winning the game at Fir Park [in November]. We drew with them with 10 men [in March].

"We ran them very close in the first half and there was nothing in the game.

"We are saying to the players if we want to win this game we need another five per cent from everybody."

Roads to the final

Celtic’s journey to Hampden began with a thumping 5-0 win over Brechin City.

Partick Thistle were the next visitors to Celtic Park and the hosts won 3-2 where James Forrest stole the show with a hat-trick.

Brendan Rodgers’ side then secured their place in the semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Greenock Morton.

At Hampden last month, Celtic romped to a comfortable 4-0 win over rivals Rangers.

Motherwell began their journey to the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over derby rivals Hamilton Accies courtesy of two first half goals at Fir Park.

The Well were then on their travels, to Dundee where a Craig Tanner strike and Kevin Holt own goal secured their progression.

Their passage to the semi-final was secured in a blockbuster encounter at Fir Park against Hearts.

Curtis Main gave Motherwell the lead before Kyle Lafferty equalised. Four minutes before the final whistle Carl McHugh unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box.

In the semi-final Curtis Main was a stand-out once again, scoring two goals in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Aberdeen.

Where to watch the game?

BBC Scotland and Sky Sports Football will be showing the game live.

BBC Scotland will have a highlights programme on Saturday evening at 10.50pm.

Visit livesoccertv.com to find out what channels the game will be shown across the world.

Legendary Boxing announcer to introduce teams

The unmistakable tones of Michael Buffer's voice will bellow out at Hampden Park as the man who made the phrase 'Let's get ready to rumble' famous, will take charge of match announcing duties before the game.

Test your Celtic and Motherwell Scottish Cup knowledge

Celtic

Put your knowledge of the Hoops' season to the test – can you name every Celtic player to have played in the Scottish Cup this season?

Celtic quiz

Motherwell

Put your knowledge of the Steelmen's sensational season to the test – can you name every player to pull on the Claret and Amber for Motherwell in the William Hill Scottish Cup this season?

Motherwell quiz

Match officials

Referee: Kevin Clancy
Assistant Referee One: Douglas Ross
Assistant Referee Two: David Roome
Fourth Official: Steven McLean
Additional Assistant Referee One: Don Robertson
Additional Assistant Referee Two: Nick Walsh

Travel advice

Supporters attending the matches are to be aware of Police Scotland's Travel Advice.

Please note Aitkenhead Road is now open again following roadworks earlier this year.

Celtic v Motherwell travel advice

Matchday programme

Buy your souvenir match programme at Hampden including candid interviews with Scott Brown and Carl McHugh who both analyse their teammates, on and off the pitch. Priced £5.