Tennents Scottish Cup Fourth Round
Saturday 7th February 2004
Tynecastle Stadium
Kick Off 12.15, Live on Sky Sports 2
After a three week build-up, the Scottish Cup tie with Hearts away is almost upon us. For those who have been on a different planet for the last month or so, here is a quick recap of the SPL game at the same venue on Sunday 17th January...
The atmosphere in the ground is, as usual, filled with wannabe sectarian bile from the Hearts support, and it's not long before Celtic goalkeeper Rab Douglas is struck on the head with a coin. Douglas makes no complaints and gets on with his game. john Hartson is at the centre of an incident where he is accused of elbowing Hearts' Andy Webster - the thug who put Didier Agathe out of football for 6 months two seasons ago.
After a few meaty challenges, arms flying everywhere in the Hearts support, and from 'Put Your Hands Up In The Air' Craig Levein, Henrik Larsson sets up Stan Petrov, who silences the Hearts support with the only goal of the game. Chris Sutton is also struck with a coin, and several Celtic supporters, on foot and on buses are attacked by Hearts fans. The latter, however, is not a new occurance at Tynecastle.
So the atmosphere will be at boiling point, both teams will be up for it, and for the only time this season, Tynecastle will be a full house. As usual, the numpties will be out in full force, and I advise Celtic fans travelling to the game to hide your colours en route to the ground.
On the playing field, Bobo Balde will miss out once again, Alan Thompson is also a major doubt. I have no fear with Stephen Pearson taking Thommo's place, but would like to see Joos Valgaeren in place of John Kennedy, who had a nightmare of a game last Saturday.
Celts are in pretty much good shape, and the worst I can see is a replay at Celtic Park. Here's hoping Big John will grab a goal or three, and see the Bhoys on the road to Hampden.
The huns however, seem to be heading on the road to hell.
Celtic-Mad Prediction: Hearts 1-3 Celtic
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