It was the first trophy of the Ange Postecoglou era at Celtic and proved to be the catalyst to Scottish Premiership success under the Parkhead boss. But can the Hoops now retain the Scottish League Cup?
Celtic can move a step closer to achieving that aim as they take on Kilmarnock in the first of the two Viaplay Cup semi-final showdowns at Hampden. Derek McInnes will be hoping his Ayrshiremen - winners in 2012 - can succeed where they failed in losing 2-0 at Parkhead in their dress rehearsal last week.
It's a neutral venue although it probably won't feel like it inside the National Stadium with Celtic having the majority of the support. Killie captain Alan Power says he enjoys being the underdog but it would be a huge upset if they claimed victory to book their place in the final on February 26. Here, we ask the Record Sport writers to make their predictions for Sunday's encounter.
David McCarthy
Hampden’s wide open spaces will make it more difficult for Kilmarnock to shut down Celtic as effectively as they did in the first half last week and with the firepower at Ange Postecoglou’s disposal, his team should win with something to spare.
Celtic 3 Kilmarnock 0
Keith Jackson
Celtic might have struggled to put Kilmarnock away on their own pitch last weekend but it’ll be a different story on Hampden’s green mile. There’s too much space for Killie to close down and too much class in Ange Postecoglou’s side not to expose it. Derek McInnes will make them work for it but Celtic will be impossible to stop.
Celtic 3 Kilmarnock 1
Craig Swan
Celtic are on a relentless run at the moment and have the attacking weapons to damage Kilmarnock again and book their place in the Final. Killie will be solid and brave, but the cup holders have enough.
Celtic 2 Kilmarnock 0
Michael Gannon
Celtic look too strong for Killie on the wide open Hampden pitch. Derek McInnes will have a plan that can cause the Hoops problems but the fire power will tell in the end.
Celtic 2 Kilmarnock 0
Scott Burns
Celtic look like they will have too much firepower. Kilmarnock will keep it tight and try to hit on the break but it is hard to stop this Celtic team.
Celtic 3 Kilmarnock 1
Andy Newport
Only some wayward finishing prevented the Hoops running up a bigger scoreline during last week’s 2-0 Premiership win and I don’t see Killie doing anything that will alter the outcome at Hampden.
Celtic 3 Kilmarnock 0
Fraser Wilson
Killie put up a decent resistance at Celtic Park a week ago but offered little going forward. And while Derek McInnes is no stranger to Hampden the occasion might just be a bit too much for his players to avoid a similar result to last week. Even with Kyle Lafferty back the problem will be getting service to the big striker. Celtic’s quality should make this a comfortable victory.
Celtic 3 Kilmarnock 0
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