Celtic v Ross County, Saturday 10th April

Part 4 of the Grand National Preview will follow tonight

My Thoughts
For Celtic, the Scottish Cup represents their only realistic chance of a trophy this season, and (the final Old Firm derby of the season aside) perhaps the only chance for Neil Lennon to stake his claim for the manager's job on a permanent basis. For Derek Adams' fine young Ross County side, this is surely the biggest game in their 81-year history. County are probably now just too far back to realistically be in with a chance of winning the 1st Division this season, but this has still been a memorable campaign for the Staggies, with the quarter-final victory over Hibs among the highlights. For Celtic, this has been a miserable campaign, with only the temporary signing of Robbie Keane providing them with any joy (and, no doubt, some healthy merchandise sales)

The Verdict
Now, the verdict in this one has been causing this writer much trepidation. Despite Celtic being in a higher league than County, recently their performances have been poor- they were unconvincing in victories over Kilmarnock and Hibs, and then there's the results "achieved" under Tony Mowbray. County's recent form has generally been not bad, not great- of their last 4 games, they've won 1, lost 1 and drawn 2. It should be noted, though, that County's form going into the games against Hibs wasn't brilliant, and yet the Staggies progressed (with a few late goals thrown in. Bear that in mind after 75 minutes). Celtic's Scottish Cup record is good (they've won it 4 times this millennium, and plenty of times before then), especially when compared with County, who before this season had never been beyond the last 16, but their defence has been particularly unconvincing of late, with Robbie Keane being relied on to get them out of trouble. This could be a close one

The Bet
90 minutes at Easter Road couldn't separate County and Hibs, and it took until the 90th minute for Scott Boyd to score the winner in the replay- it's not beyond County to force extra time here. Therefore, the draw at 11/2 with William Hill looks great value. The same bookmakers also offer odds on County's free-kick expert left-back Scott Morrison to score anytime of 66/1, as well as a wee special double with the Grand National: County to win and Beat the Boys to win the Grand National: £5 would net you £5,555. Tempting