I can't remember the last time we had a game broadcast live by the Beeb. I have a feeling it may be as long ago as the Scottish Cup Final in 1987, so it's ironic this one has arrived just a few weeks before we have another cup final - which will again be on the BBC. This is a warm-up for the Co-operative Insurance Cup final at Hampden next month as it's Rangers we'll face then as well. Winning one of these cup ties would be impressive, let alone both, and I think if you offered Saints fans the choice they'd take one next month over one tomorrow. However, that doesn't mean we won't be delighted if we progress tomorrow!
If we play against Rangers the way we did against Hearts on Tuesday night, then a victory is a real possibility. It was one of the best performances from a Saints team I have ever seen. No players failed, everyone fought for every ball and everyone was fully committed from start to finish. Combined with the superb support from the fans, we would have been a match for anyone. If we can do that tomorrow then we might, just might, be celebrating only our second ever Scottish Cup victory against Rangers.
Part of the reason for Tuesday night was the change to formation. I have long been wanting a switch to a 3-5-2 as it suits the personnel we have perfectly. It makes up for our lack of wingers, allows us to play central midfielders in their strongest positions and also saw us beat Rangers last season. Assuming everyone is fit, we have to use it tomorrow as it worked brilliantly. The team is likely to be the same, although loan signing Graham Carey will probably make the squad. However, Rory Loy will not as Rangers have decided he can't play. Injury wise, Chris Smith, Allan Johnston and Tom Brighton are all missing.
We played Rangers just over a week ago in the league and lost, the usual early goal we concede against Walter Smith's men once again proving to be our downfall. At that point, they had hardly any fit strikers, although that didn't stop Nacho Novo scoring the second goal. Now, most of them are fit, and rather worryingly Smith confirmed today that Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd are both once again available for selection. Boyd is arguably the best striker in the country (it seems that Robbie Keane chap hasn't quite arrived yet) and is always a threat. Although he might not be able to turn it on against Celtic or in the Champions League, games against teams like us are what he thrives on. Even if he only makes the bench, it is still bad news that he is fit again.
Of course, even if Boyd doesn't make it, Rangers still have plenty to trouble us. Steven Davis has been fantastic in the last few weeks, scoring three goals in three games from midfield, while Steven Naismith is a threat after putting his latest injury problems behind him. Set pieces are also something we'll have to watch out for, as David Weir is a big threat for them and they have plenty of players who can deliver a good dead ball. There's also the added spice of former Saint Kirk Broadfoot once again returning to Paisley. The Saints fans will probably spend much of the day booing him although I don't know why as he was a fantastic player for the club. Far better saving that sort of abuse for Kyle Lafferty!