Scottish Cup Final Key Battles

Here, Press Association Sport looks at some of the key battles that could decide the outcome.

JOSH MEEKINGS v RORY LOY

Extra attention will be on Meekings, who nearly missed out on the final but escaped a ban following his crucial semi-final handball against Celtic. The Inverness centre-back will be without normal partner Gary Warren, who is suspended, and could find himself up against Falkirk's danger man, Loy, who has been out since the quarter-final win over Queen of the South with a fractured leg. The Dundee-bound striker scored 12 goals this season and his injury was a major factor in the Bairns' failure to make the play-offs.

RYAN CHRISTIE v CRAIG SIBBALD

Christie is Scotland's young player of the year and showed why in the last four against Celtic as he got on the ball and created openings for his front pair. Usually deployed just off a lone striker, but showed his versatility that day by playing wide midfield, the Scotland Under-21 international has vision, flair and an eye for goal. Sibbald is only 20 but has more than 100 first-team games to his name including several at Hampden. Destined for bigger things, the skilful midfielder has scored three goals to get Falkirk to the final, including the semi-final winner against Hibernian.

MARLEY WATKINS v DAVID McCRACKEN

Watkins was converted from a winger to a centre-forward after top goalscorer Billy McKay left Inverness for Wigan in January. The Welshman's pace has proved a potent weapon up front and the timing of his runs has given many teams problems, including Celtic in the semi-final. With Mark Kerr and John Baird cup-tied, McCracken is one of the few experienced players in the Bairns side and they will need his composure at the back.