Stephen Kingsley v James Tavernier
Both players are nominal defenders but it is their attacking contributions that make them so effective for their respective teams, and it should be fascinating to see how this contest unfolds at the national stadium.
Hearts’ left wing-back is coming off the back of a fine campaign in the capital and Kingsley’s boundless enthusiasm down the flank could result in the Rangers captain finding himself pinned back.
Conversely, the reverse is also true: if Tavernier can gain the upper hand and limit Kingsley’s attacking forays forward, he will go a long way to aiding his side’s chances of lifting the cup.
Liam Boyce v Connor Goldson
Hearts’ Northern Irish striker is the club’s top scorer this season and although he had to be brought off during last week’s 3-1 defeat to Rangers after picking up a knock, the 31-year-old has vowed to be fighting fit for this afternoon’s match.
It makes for an intriguing match-up with Connor Goldson, who played the full 120 minutes in Seville on Wednesday night as the Ibrox club lost the Europa League final on penalties. Goldson’s stamina is remarkable but he is still human and could be a little tired – and if he and Boyce aren’t quite 100 per cent, it could make for a compelling contest.
Cameron Devlin v Ryan Jack
Devlin has been a fine addition to Robbie Neilson’s side and the midfielder’s all-action displays have played an important part in Hearts’ successful season so far. The Australian will be key in both attacking and defensive phases of play, and Van Bronckhorst will be keen to put the brakes on the midfield metronome.
Jack is the most likely candidate to be tasked with hampering Devlin and the Scotland internationalist should be well placed to do so. The 30-year-old played 74 minutes against Eintracht Frankfurt so should have a little more left in the tank than some of his team-mates, and whoever comes out on top of this particular duel will gain a crucial advantage in the middle of the park.
