The likely Viaplay Cup semi final dates amid Rangers' 14 year Hampden quirk as Aberdeen adventure swings into view

Fans of four Scottish Premiership clubs are patiently waiting with their diaries at the ready after the semi-final line-up for the Viaplay Cup was completed on Wednesday night.

But Rangers fans reckon they already know they will be contesting a Sunday showdown with Hearts for a place in the final on December 17. Why? They haven't had a Saturday semi final at Hampden for FOURTEEN years.

That's why the Ibrox legions are bracing themselves for the likely afternoon slot on Sunday, November 5 with Aberdeen and Hibs in the tea-time slot 24 hours earlier. There is also the fact that the Dons travel to Greece for their Europa League tie against PAOK the following midweek, while Rangers have a home game against Sparta Prague.

If the SPFL schedulers, albeit they will have to consider travelling fans, broadcasters and police advice into consideration, want to take Barry Robson's lengthy journey into account then they might prefer to give the Dons an extra day to prepare. However, Rangers boss Michael Beale did question the schedulers after his side's quarter final win over Livingston when he admitted Rangers' clash with the Dons could have been pushed back 24 hours this weekend given their respective recent run of fixtures at home and abroad.

But the light blue legions are almost resigned to a Sunday slot. Incredibly, Rangers haven't played a semi-final at Hampden since 2009 when they defeated St Mirren 3-0.

Rangers did land a Scottish Cup semi final against Dundee United on a Saturday during the 2013/14 season but that game was on home turf as Hampden was being renovated for the Commonwealth Games. Are they in line for another Sunday date?

10/11 Motherwell 2-1

14/15 Celtic 0-2

15/16 Celtic 2-2 (win on pens)

16/17 Celtic 0-1

16/17