The Cup of Dreams—well, that could be the case this weekend. The Scottish Cup action continues with four teams battling it out for a coveted place in the final.

For many, a trip to Hampden Park sparks a sense of hope and instils a belief to never give up on ambition. For some, however, a visit to Hampden can become a moment best forgotten. Take Celtic vs Ross County in 2010, when the Staggies stunned Celtic in a 2–0 win to reach the final, or when Motherwell ran rampant against a lacklustre Aberdeen side (3–0). This cup embodies aspiration and breeds champions—but who will lift the 2025/26 trophy?

This weekend, Falkirk face rivals Dunfermline Athletic, whilst Celtic take on St Mirren. Three teams are vying for their first taste of silverware this season, with St Mirren looking to make it a second trophy lift at Hampden this season, having already won the Premier Sports Cup.

Falkirk vs Dunfermline Athletic

I think it just adds to the atmosphere of a cup tie when two rivals take on each other—and that feeling only intensifies when silverware is up for grabs. And who doesn’t love a derby-day fixture?

This is the 58th meeting between these two sides, with Falkirk leading the way with 26 wins. I’m hopeful we will witness a high-scoring match, given there have been over 130 goals scored across this derby.

Falkirk are flying high at the moment, with confidence oozing from John McGlynn’s side after securing a top-six finish on their return to the Premiership this season. They may have been disappointed with their weekend performance against Rangers, but the winning Falkirk mentality looks unbreakable at the minute—so the Bairns will come out fighting on Saturday.

Falkirk haven’t won the Scottish Cup since 1956/57, so they will be aiming to cement a piece of history for their ever-loyal fanbase. However, to even grasp that trophy with one hand, they must defeat Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic.

Neil Lennon is no stranger to a Scottish Cup winners’ medal—or four—having won back-to-back Scottish Cups with Celtic in 2018/19 and 2019/20.

Dunfermline are currently sitting pretty in third place in the Championship, with a few more wins all but sealing them a place in the Premiership play-off race. One area Falkirk’s formidable attacking threat will look to exploit is Dunfermline’s defence, as they have shipped 39 goals this season.

Similarly to Falkirk, Dunfermline haven’t lifted the Scottish Cup in nearly 60 years, coming closest in 2007 when they reached the final.

Saturday hosts two teams who are certainly no strangers to one another and are looking to turn up the heat and secure that all-important final spot. But who could they face in the final?

Celtic vs St Mirren

These two teams are also no strangers to each other, having already faced one another multiple times this season. One holds the record for the most Scottish Cup final wins, while the other has lifted the trophy twice—I don’t think we need many hints as to who is who.

Celtic are record holders in this competition, having lifted the trophy on 42 occasions. They also hold the record for most final appearances, which stands at a whopping 61. Current Celtic boss Martin O’Neill is hoping to make it a fourth Scottish Cup win for himself if the Hoops prevail.

The 74-year-old manager lifted the Scottish Cup on three previous occasions during his five-year tenure at Celtic between 2000 and 2005. Celtic winger James Forrest is also seeking to add to his already lengthy list of honours and make it a 27th major trophy in Celtic colours—surely cementing his position as the club’s most decorated player for years to come.

Celtic may be favourites to lift the trophy; however, their opponents, St Mirren, can never be counted out. Underdogs on many occasions, it may be easy to forget that they already have one trophy under their belt this season.

Though under different management in December, the Buddies prevailed and beat this weekend’s semi-final opponents, Celtic, to lift the Premier Sports Cup. Could St Mirren make it two for two this season at Hampden?

Since that famous December win, St Mirren have been dismal in the league and find themselves in the midst of a relegation battle, having only emerged victorious on four occasions since their trophy lift.

With that being said, the passion that is drummed from the St Mirren stands is palpable and has, on many occasions, driven its way onto the pitch to ignite a fire in their players. If they hope to have a chance of lifting the Scottish Cup for the first time in 40 years, that fire must be burning from the get-go.

This is a weekend full of excitement—a weekend built on dreams—and one that will determine who edges one step closer to lifting the Scottish Cup.

The message for all of these teams: dare to dream!

Louise Davidson

I have a keen interest in sport journalism and broadcasting.