THIS weekend is the biggest of the domestic season so far, with the chance to contest the first piece of silverware – the Scottish League Cup – on the line.

Up first tomorrow is Celtic against Hibs. I’ve seen what Brendan Rodgers has had to say about the scheduling for this match, after the European tie in midweek, and his concerns may be justified.

Celtic haven’t performed at all well after away ties in Europe this season; they looked sluggish against St Johnstone on the Saturday after playing Astana and only managed a 1-1 draw.

Read more: Hibs captain David Gray ignoring past glories to focus on achieving next impossible Hampden dream

Then, following the match against Anderlecht, when Celtic produced a performance that probably assured their status in Europe after Christmas, they were lucky to get away with a 2-2 draw against Hibs.

I wouldn’t know for certain, but if that point isn’t reiterated by Neil Lennon several times over in the build-up to tomorrow’s match, I’d be amazed.

I don’t think you can second guess Brendan Rodgers on this one because, for me, he has two options; first, does he use some of the back-up players to start with? Or second, will he opt for the same players who were comprehensively beaten by Bayern Munich and give them the chance to redeem themselves?

For me, it will probably be the latter, because those are his big-game players – and he’ll need a big game out of them because Hibs will fancy this one, based on what they did at Parkhead a few weeks back.

Man of the match then was John McGinn, who will have been bitterly disappointed in not having a chance with Scotland during their last two qualifying ties, despite his arrival being much heralded.

Read more: Celtic's Callum McGregor wants to write new Hampden memories against Hibernian

He is the kind of player who will show no fear, not on the biggest stage, and not against the best of opposition – because he has been here before.

Five years ago, he and I sat in the same dressing room ahead of St Mirren’s League Cup semi-final with Celtic, when no-one gave us the slightest hope.

But John, who was just a kid then, destroyed Victor Wanyama that afternoon as we won the game to reach the final, and then won that as well. John was so full of confidence and self-belief – and I’d have to say talent – that he just couldn’t wait to get out on the pitch.

Having gone from boy to man – even if he is still just 23 – and having witnessed what can happen in a cup semi-final, he will be aiming for a repeat performance.

There is no doubt that he has the game to make it uncomfortable for Celtic. My only reservation is that, despite taking the plaudits and repeatedly being praised for the football they have played since making a return to the top tier, Hibs haven’t really been as convincing in terms of results. Going into this tie, in all competitions, they’ve won only two matches out the last eight.

Against Aberdeen last week, despite being more than a match for the Dons, they lacked a real cutting edge. It is all very well Neil Lennon coming out with the ‘I’m pleased’ rhetoric after games. But what would please him even more would be a win at Hampden. 

Read more: Hibs captain David Gray ignoring past glories to focus on achieving next impossible Hampden dream

Could it happen? Possibly, but so many things need to go in favour of Hibs.

An even tighter game to call is Motherwell against Rangers. I don’t think there is too much between these two teams. The only difference I would say is that Motherwell may be able to play with a bit more freedom, because the real pressure is on Rangers and manager Pedro Caixinha.

Steve Robinson has really turned Motherwell around and they look a proper team – and a big team at that. They have the best record in the SPFL when it comes to converting from set-pieces, and that will be a massive test for the Rangers back-line, who, I’ll admit, did well against St Johnstone last week.

However, what St Johnstone didn’t have was someone as potent and proven as Louis Moult. This tie might come down to just one thing – how Rangers handle him. And that will add to the pressure on the Ibrox club, and in particular Pedro Caixinha.

Having lost woefully in Europe, then to Hibs, then in the first Celtic game, the Rangers support will expect their team to win – just like they expect to see them in finals and winning trophies.

Simply, Rangers can’t afford another slip up – not after that mini-catalogue of bad results to date.

Even though Rangers were convincing against Hamilton and St Johnstone, the reality of the situation is that, because he has been incapable of stringing three wins, let alone five or six, together during his tenure, Pedro Caixinha is only ever 90 minutes away from a crisis. 

This weekend, the only difference is that crisis come after extra-time and penalties.

Download and listen to the latest Herald Sport podcast on iTunes and PodBean. This week special guest Tam McManus joins the Herald Sport team to preview the Betfred Cup semi-finals.