Falkirk vs. Caley Thistle: Scottish Cup Final 2015 Date, Live Stream, TV Info
Scottish Premier League side Inverness Caledonian Thistle will be strong favourites when they meet Falkirk of the Championship in the 2015 Scottish Cup final after enjoying a superb season on manager John Hughes' watch.
Not only have the Highlanders finished third in the SPL and reached a cup final, their efforts have been rewarded with a place in next season's UEFA Europa League.
Meanwhile, Falkirk boss Peter Houston knows how to win this competition after lifting the trophy back in 2010 while in charge of Dundee United.
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Here are the schedule and viewing details for the big game at Glasgow's Hampden Park:
Date: Saturday, May 30
Time: 3 p.m.
TV: Sky Sports 3
Preview
One man already making himself the centre of attention is referee Willie Collum. He has endured some criticism this season, but insists the jibes won't affect his cup-final performance, per Daily Record writer Gordon Parks.
Houston may not be too worried about what the official will do if star striker Rory Loy is declared fit after an ankle problem. Houston believes "it's looking good" for Loy to play at least some part in the final, even if it's just as an impact player, per BBC Sport.
Usually, Loy forms a formidable double act with cup-tied John Baird. But even without his strike partner, Loy is the key to Falkirk's hopes of upsetting Premier League opposition.
Meanwhile, Hughes is busy celebrating the best season Caley have ever had. He dubbed reaching the Europa League a "remarkable" achievement, per Sky Sports.
Now Hughes is keen to use a cup-final win as the springboard to grow Caley's fanbase. He told BBC Scotland he expects a major following to cheer on his team at Hampden (h/t BBC Sport): "I'm quite sure we'll take 15,000-20,000 down to the cup final and hopefully we'll give them a good day."
The strength of Hughes' side is in midfield. Playmaker Greg Tansey and winger Aaron Doran are both quick, tricky and possess keen appetites for goals. The pair combined for 10 strikes in the SPL this season, per EuroSport.
Doran learned his trade at Dublin schoolboy team Crumlin United, where former Tottenham and Liverpool striker Robbie Keane also made his start. Now Doran is looking to emulate his famous predecessor, according to Jim Black of the Scotsman.
But the real danger man for Inverness is converted striker Marley Watkins. Shifted off the flank by Hughes, the 24-year-old has been a revelation with his defence-stretching pace and clever runs between the lines.
His experience out wide means he frequently drifts out of the middle and takes up positions on either wing. Not only does that movement make him a nightmare for central defenders, it also often isolates Watkins against a full-back, which is a major advantage for Caley.
Watkins is hoping a big performance in the final will bring him to the attention of Wales boss Chris Coleman, per the Herald's Kevin Ferrie.
Doran and Watkins should give Falkirk's uncompromising defence problems. Their pace and movement are likely to be too much for the Championship side to handle for 90 minutes.
Houston and Hughes once played together at Falkirk, but it will be the latter who's left to celebrate following this final. Lifting silverware will be a suitable flourish to cap a brilliantly memorable season for Caley.
