Ando

In bits here, must have checked the clock a dozen times in the last hour. Was exactly the same four years ago and this is my 6th cup final (87, 88, 91, 94, 2010) lost the first three but on a 20 year winning streak now!

I thought 50,000 Perth and 150,000 Dundee, might be way off though.

It is a fantastic amount, roughly 33% of the population of Perth? Likewise United are bringing about 35% of their half of the population of Dundee? I know there will be hundreds travelling to support both teams that don't live in either city but as a rough estimate the numbers are staggering.

In 1986/87, we beat St Mirren three times and lost once in the league, then lost to them in Extra Time in the Scottish Cup Final. In 1990/91 we beat Motherwell three times and lost once in the league, then lost to them in Extra Time in the Scottish Cup Final. So, by that rationale United to win in Extra Time on Saturday. Glad we sorted that out.

When we've played semi's and finals at Hampden recently there has always been a kiosk/Portakabin manned by United office staff selling tickets from around 12:30 - 14:30 on the day of the game. Not sure if this is an option at CP but assume it would be if the was somewhere to sell from.

I like the shoes, I like them too much actually.

A new day and a new state of mind in my cup final bi polar disorder. Not only will GMS start he will score the first goal and set us on our way to glory. Jackie won't tinker with anything and we win comfortably. Tune in later when I'll be in bits again after realising who the funk Stevie May is.

I think the team you've noted will be the favourite to start, and if fit our best XI, minus Good. I can't recall the last time I watched GMS and thought he was 100% fit though, maybe Inverness 5-0 game? I didn't see the Motherwell game a couple of weeks ago so he might have been on fire then too. Not having a go at him at all, I think he's excellent when on form but hasn't looked himself for a couple of months in my opinion.

Nailed on for me are: Rado, Gunning, Robertson, Paton, Rankin, Armstrong and Ciftci. I think form dictates that Watson, Dillon and Dow start. Which leaves Gauld and GMS fighting for the last place and I think Gauld will get it. I know most will think GMS is nailed on leaving Gauld and Dow fighting for the last shirt but I think this is going to be Gauld's final.

United favourites for me, better players, higher league placing. If we play to our best and Saints to their best I think we'll win. Saints have stopped us playing anywhere near our best twice at McDiarmid this season though so its never that simple. I believe if United score first we'll win comfortably, ie by two clear goals.

I've got a bit of fear that Jackie will try something different to try and change our bad run against Saints. Rado Watson Dillon Gunning Robertson Paton Gomis Rankin Armstrong Ciftci Graham My mind is starting to go into overdrive and I'm questioning everything, the latest being why didn't Graham start v Celtic....

I'm not convinced GMS merits a place just now, I would be tempted to go with: Rado Watson Dillon Gunning Robertson Paton Rankin Dow Armstrong Gauld Ciftci Not convinced by Gunning either but don't think Souttar is ready for a game like this, or a player like May.

We were in the Pollockshaws Bowling Club on Saturday and it was great, cheap drink, hot food, big bar and plenty of staff on. We're not going there for the final due to superstitions and that, we've booked into the same place we were in 2010. Worth a look but it is fair bit away from Celtic Park though?