Fraser Brown
Glasgow and Scotland hooker on BBC Radio Scotland

As ever in this tournament, Lions head coach Warren Gatland will be keeping an eye on players who he thinks can do the business against South Africa this summer.

One of the fascinating battles will be at fly-half, with the mercurial Finn Russell taking on the wily Test-match veteran Johnny Sexton.

The latter usually prevails, will Russell show his best today?

Image source, SNS

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend: "We are well aware of the threats posed by an experienced Ireland squad and our players have prepared for a contest they know is going to require one of their best performances.

"We had prepared well for our postponed game against France, and the players have adapted well to the change of plans and have brought real energy and focus to our training sessions this week."

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell: "I think Scotland's strength is their belief. They 100% believe they are on an upward curve and rightly so because we have seen some really good performances from them.

"We always find it difficult against Scotland and we are always quite proud of any victory against them."

Image source, SNS

Jamie Heaslip
Former Ireland number eight on BBC One

Due to a combination of fallow weeks and the France game being called off, it is now a month since Scotland lost to Wales at Murrayfield. Time flies, eh?

Will that time without a game be re-invigorating and refreshing for them? Or will rust have crept in?

A few players - including captain Stuart Hogg - played for their clubs last week to keep their hand in. Time will tell whether the enforced break has been a help or a hindrance.

John Barclay
Former Scotland captain on BBC One

Ireland have won 17 of the 21 meetings between these sides in the Six Nations, and have only finished below Scotland once since Italy joined at the start of the millennium.

And Ireland's joy against their Celtic cousins doesn't stop at the Six Nations. They blasted through them in the Autumn Nations Cup at the end of last year, and at the World Cup the year before.

Despite Scotland's improvements, history says Ireland will win this one.

We want to hear your thoughts, musings, and predictions on this game.

You can get involved at #bbcrugby on Twitter, and we'll share some on here.

This is a game Ireland dare not lose. Andy Farrell's side have only beaten Italy so far, and with a seemingly revived England in their final game, a loss at Murrayfield makes fifth place a distinct possibility.

Where would that leave the Farrell project?

Of course, win your final two games and there is plenty to be positive about. Those are the fine margins at this level.

The fact the France game was cancelled means the Six Nations standings paint a false picture of Scotland's chances.

If they win today, then beat Italy and the French (assuming the fixture is rearranged) then they could clinch the Championship.

Of course, that's very much easier said than done. Wales hold all the cards as they chase a grand slam against France next week. While if France win that game, they too will be in with a shout.

Put simply, it's very much an outside chance, but a chance nonetheless.

Image source, BBC Sport

"Rugby doesn't get much more intoxicating than this," writes BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English.

He lays out what's at stake in his scenesetter, which you can read here.

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend welcomes back flanker Jamie Ritchie after he missed the defeat by Wales.

He is one of four changes that also see wing Sean Maitland, centre Sam Johnson and prop WP Nel come into the starting line-up.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made three changes from the side that beat Italy.

Keith Earls replaces Jordan Larmour on the wing with Cian Healy and Rob Herring in for Dave Kilcoyne and Ronan Kelleher in the front row.

Scrum-half Conor Murray's inclusion among the replacements after a hamstring injury is the sole personnel change to the bench from Rome.

Image source, BBC Sport

Replacements: 16-David Cherry, 17-Jamie Bhatti, 18-Simon Berghan, 19-Grant Gilchrist, 20-Nick Haining, 21-Scott Steele, 22-Huw Jones, 23-Darcy Graham

Image source, BBC Sport

Replacements: 16-Ronan Kelleher, 17-Dave Kilcoyne, 18-Andrew Porter, 19-Ryan Baird, 20-Jack Conan, 21-Conor Murray, 22-Billy Burns, 23-Jordan Larmour

Right, now the formalities are out of the way, let's refresh our memories of the teams...

We have a full slate of coverage for you this afternoon. Obviously this enthralling live text, but also commentary on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Ulster, 5 Live, as well as pictures on BBC One and iPlayer from 14:20 GMT.

ALL of that is accessible at the top of this page.

You'll be able to get highlights on the website during and after the game, too. What more could you want?!

The stage is set for the final fixture of the Six Nations weekend.

Scotland, who still harbour ambitions of winning the championship, against Ireland, who dare not lose a third match.

Should be gripping stuff.

Image source, SNS