A trip to the dentist helped Motherwell captain Carl McHugh realise just how important a victory would be this afternoon...

McHugh, who has led his side to both cup finals this season, lost a tooth against Ross County last month.

"The dentist was a big Motherwell fan and he was telling me about '91 and all that," said McHugh.

"I think he was in Dortmund as well in the Uefa Cup. It's great to hear those experiences and it would be great for all of the people in the town.

"When I joined the club it became obvious fairly quickly about the '91 team and how they're revered and rightly so, they're legends of the club for what they've done.

"It's great for the whole town. It gives the people a chance to get out and have something to look forward to."

Image source, sns

Robert: Never take a final for granted. We will be favourites but Motherwell have surprised us before. Will take any victory.

Kenny: Are you aware of Motherwell's double treble if they win? THIRD Scottish Cup win in their history and THIRD time in Scottish football history a team has won a Scottish Cup Final to deny a double treble.

Conor: Will be great to see Celtic on the open top bus if they win the cup.

Robbie: 4-1 Celtic. Dembele, Rogic, McGregor and Forrest for the Hoops.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says his team will go to Hampden under less pressure this year.

The champions are gunning for a 'double-treble' should they beat Motherwell this afternoon.

However, Rodgers says his team no longer feel the weight of expectation when they visit the national stadium.

"The players now come with a confidence and I think the supporters come with a confidence as well," said Rodgers.

Under previous manager Ronny Deila, Celtic lost three of their five games at Hampden. During Neil Lennon's tenure they also suffered four defeats at the stadium.

Image source, Getty Images

However, Rodgers has won seven out of seven at Hampden, including three cup finals, and says changing the mindset of the players was one of his main tasks when arriving at the club in the summer of 2016.

"The players gained a great deal of confidence the first time they came here," Rodgers said at the national stadium.

"I think there was a lot of trepidation around coming to Hampden for whatever reason. I think players can believe something if they're told it often enough.

"So we tried to improve the mindset of the players going into our first semi-final here in the League Cup last season, and then to go on to not only win the final but the way they played, it gave the players a lot of confidence.

"If we want to be successful - which the demand at a club like Celtic is - then you have to be able to play at your national stadium and to be able to win. The players have done that exceptionally well.

"You hear talk around these games that it's the team that wants it more. Finals are a bit more than that."

Kenny Crawford
BBC Sport Scotland

Motherwell great Stevie Kirk has urged the current side to use their "grit and determination" to lift the Scottish Cup this afternoon.

Kirk scored the winner for the Steelmen when they beat Dundee United 4-3 in the 1991 final.

"That goal is in the forefront of my mind every day," Kirk told BBC Scotland.

"My number 12 shirt from 1991 is actually at the club and it's on display in the boardroom.

"It's been a long time and it's time for the boys to step up and take their place in history.

"They've given themselves a chance by getting to the final, but they and everyone else knows it'll be very difficult.

"Celtic have only lost two or three domestic games in the last two seasons. I'm sure if they show the grit and determination I know they have then they'll give themselves a chance."

Image source, SNS

Ally: Celtic for me but think it will be a hard game.

Barney: Double treble champions.

Andrew: I want Celtic to win because Motherwell will kick Celtic off the park.

John: Celtic of course, can't wait for game. Watching from Hull. Come on the Bhoys!

Bob: Motherwell to win. It's going to be tough against Celtic, so it will be close.

Motherwell are dreaming of a first Scottish Cup final triumph for 27 years. Stevie Kirk scored the winner for the Steelmen when they beat Dundee United 4-3 in the 1991 final - their last silverware.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

DavieLoco: Warsash, Hampshire. COYBIG #scottishcup, external

Scott Currie
BBC Scotland at Hampden

Finish this sentence:

Let’s get ready to...

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Stuart: Motherwell - because I'm a Rangers supporter.

Finlay: Motherwell on penalties.

Douglas: Celtic 2-0 Motherwell

Steven: 2-1 to Motherwell

Both sides will be introduced with a thundering sound at the national stadium. Boxing announcer Michael Buffer will send his American roar reverberating around Hampden as he introduces the players.

The question is: who will be on the ropes at half-time? Who will be on the canvas at 90 minutes? Who will be punch-drunk in the face of a razor-sharp attack?

Thankfully, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink no longer plies his trade at Celtic or the warbling Mr Buffer would still be roaring his name with Sunday's Premiership play-off due to get under way!

Image source, Getty Images

Scott Currie
BBC Scotland

Paddy (left) and Harry (right) arrived nice and early to soak up the sun and saunter around a Hampden.

Albeit an old Celtic jersey, I’m sure you would agree Harry (who was named after former Celtic striker Harry Hood) still wears it well.

Will they see their side secure a double treble?

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Steven: Motherwell could and should win. Celtic are an average team and the cracks are showing.

Jeffrey: 3-1 Motherwell.

Angela: It will be tough but COYBIG HH.

Mark: Mon the Hoops, let's make history once again.

Simon Moore: Sent the boys up to annoy the #ScottishCup, external while I enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine ‘down south’

Image source, Simon Moore

Paul Denham: Perth, Western Australia.

Jamie Taylor: Singapore.

Scott Currie
BBC Scotland at Hampden

Not a cloud in the sky - only a hint of a contrails saltire!

No sunshine at the moment though for the Sportscene production team, who are already hard at work in the broadcast trucks.

Today has got the makings of a cracker.

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Image source, BBC Sport