Can Celtic Overcome Dundee in All-Premiership Clash?

This article covers the exciting matchups in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup, featuring Celtic against Dundee and Aberdeen hosting Motherwell as the only all-Premiership ties. Additionally, Rangers will face the winner of Stranraer vs Queen's Park, while Dundee United will take on League 2 leaders The Spartans. Other notable fixtures include St Mirren visiting Airdrieonians and Falkirk clashing with Stenhousemuir. These matches are set for the weekend of 7–8 February.

Last updated: 31 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Scottish Cup is heating up as the last 16 draw has set the stage for thrilling encounters. The two standout fixtures feature Celtic, one of the most successful clubs in Scottish history, facing Dundee, while holders Aberdeen will take on Motherwell. These matches highlight the competitive spirit of the Premiership teams as they vie for a prestigious spot in the next rounds of the tournament.

Key takeaways

Celtic will play Dundee, and Aberdeen will host Motherwell in all-Premiership ties.
Rangers will meet the winner of Stranraer vs Queen's Park.
Dundee United will welcome League 2 leaders The Spartans.
St Mirren will visit Championship side Airdrieonians.
Falkirk faces Stenhousemuir in a derby match.
The matches are scheduled for the weekend of 7–8 February.

Timeline: how we got here

The Scottish Cup draw for the last 16 was announced shortly after the conclusion of the previous round. Key dates leading up to the draw include:

29 October 2023: Previous round fixtures completed.
30 October 2023: Last 16 draw held, revealing exciting matchups.
7-8 February 2024: Scheduled date for the last 16 matches.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of the last 16 draw is the latest development, showcasing some intriguing matchups. Fans will be eager to see how their teams fare in these knockout rounds.

What was already established

Prior to the draw, teams had been competing fiercely in the earlier rounds of the tournament, with several upsets and strong performances shaping the competition. The anticipation surrounding these fixtures has been building as clubs aim to secure a place in the latter stages of the cup.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

With the Scottish Cup matches approaching, fans of the participating teams will likely experience increased excitement and engagement, which may lead to increased spending on merchandise, tickets, and viewing parties.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses, particularly those in hospitality and retail sectors, can expect a boost as match days attract crowds. Pubs and restaurants in areas close to the stadiums will see increased foot traffic as fans gather before and after games.

Policy and regulation

As matches approach, there may be discussions regarding security measures and fan safety at stadiums, especially considering previous incidents in football matches. Local authorities will coordinate with clubs to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

Numbers that matter

2: The number of all-Premiership ties in the last 16.
4: Total matches featuring Premiership teams against lower league opposition.
7-8 February: The date set for the last 16 matches.
1: The number of times Aberdeen has lifted the Scottish Cup in recent years (2022).
3: The number of matches featuring teams from League 2 in this round.

Definitions and jargon buster

Scottish Cup: The main national football cup competition in Scotland.
Premiership: The top tier of professional football in Scotland.
League 2: The fourth tier of professional football in Scotland.
Derby: A match between local rivals, often filled with intense rivalry.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should prepare for their team’s upcoming matches by securing tickets early and following updates on team news and injury reports. Anticipation will build as the date approaches, with increased interest from local media.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The outcome of these matches could significantly impact team morale and performance in the remainder of the season. Clubs will be looking to build momentum heading into the business end of the football calendar.

Signals to watch

Team performance leading up to the matches.
Injury news and squad availability.
Fan engagement and ticket sales trends.

Practical guidance

Do

Purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Follow team social media for the latest updates.
Support local businesses during match days.

Don’t

Neglect safety guidelines when attending matches.
Miss out on early bird ticket offers.
Ignore team form leading up to the match.

Checklist

Check match dates and times.
Ensure transportation arrangements are made.
Review team news for any last-minute changes.
Plan for potential weather conditions on match day.
Engage with fellow fans for a shared experience.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As with any sporting event, there are uncertainties regarding team selections, potential injuries, and the outcomes of matches. Additionally, fan attendance may be affected by public health guidelines or security measures in place during the matches.

Bottom line

The upcoming Scottish Cup fixtures promise to deliver thrilling action as teams compete for glory. With several intriguing matchups on the horizon, fans should stay engaged and prepared for a weekend filled with football excitement.

FAQs

When are the Scottish Cup last 16 matches taking place?

The last 16 matches of the Scottish Cup are scheduled for the weekend of 7–8 February.

Which teams are facing each other in the all-Premiership ties?

Celtic will play Dundee, and Aberdeen will host Motherwell in the all-Premiership fixtures.

What are some of the lower league matchups in the last 16?

Notable matchups include Dundee United vs The Spartans and Elgin City hosting Partick Thistle.