Scottish FA Cup Final Preview – Celtic vs Dunfermline Athletic

Callum Osmand’s 98th-minute goal on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season did not just win Celtic the title. It confirmed Martin O’Neill’s remarkable rescue job and set the stage for a domestic double attempt at Hampden on Saturday.

O’Neill returned to the club in January following Wilfried Nancy’s troubled tenure, and the effect was immediate. Celtic won 13 of their next 17 league fixtures, closing down Hearts before Osmand’s late intervention settled the title race. Eight consecutive wins have followed across all competitions, including a 6-2 demolition of St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-final. The momentum is unbroken.

Kelechi Iheanacho is the player to watch. His introduction from the bench proved decisive against both Motherwell and Hearts, and he is set to start here, with Daizen Maeda shifting to the left flank. Celtic carry significant injury absences, including Kasper Schmeichel, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota, but the available squad has shown little sign of vulnerability.

Dunfermline arrive from the Scottish Championship having beaten Queen of the South, Hibernian, Aberdeen and Falkirk en route to the final. That is a genuine Cup run by any measure. Neil Lennon, who lifted trophies with Celtic as both player and manager, brings additional edge to his role in the opposing dugout.

The concern for the Pars is what happened after the semi-final. They failed to win promotion, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Partick Thistle in the play-off semi-final, and have won just once in their last five matches. The squad’s energy and confidence will need careful management between now and kick-off.

Aberdeen reached last season’s final as underdogs and won on penalties. That precedent exists. But Celtic’s current form, depth, and the driving force of a double within reach makes them clear favourites to lift the trophy.

Martin O’Neill’s Celtic will complete the double on Saturday.