Celtic are in uncharted territory this weekend as they face non-league opposition in the Scottish Cup.
West of Scotland League Premier Division side Auchinleck Talbot are the side they will face in what will be the first competitive meeting between the two.
Five leagues separate Auchinleck and Celtic, as well as a mass difference in the number of trophies.
There has been controversy in the build-up to the game after Auchinleck were forced to move the game to Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park due to safety concerns over their 4,000-seater Beechwood Park stadium.
However, once upon a time, this game would never have been allowed to happen.
Let’s hear your predictions!
Why Auchinleck Talbot used to be banned from the Scottish Cup
Until 2009, Auchinleck had never competed in the Scottish Cup before, meaning they had to wait for their 100-year anniversary to make their debut.
This was because Auchinleck are classed as a junior side and therefore part of the Scottish Junior Football Association.
That prevented them from competing until the rules changed before the start of the 2007/08 season when clubs who had won the Junior Cup or regional superleagues qualified for the competition.
As Auchinleck had won the Junior Cup in 2009, they were allowed to compete in the 2009/10 Scottish Cup in a historic first.
How have Auchinleck Talbot fared in the Scottish Cup?
Aside from the 2010/11 season, Auchinleck have competed in every edition of the Scottish Cup since their debut appearance.
Their biggest highlight includes beating Ayr United 1-0 at Beechwood Park in the 2018/19 tournament, which was their first victory over a full-time side.
Celtic’s recent Scottish Cup record
- 2016/17: Winners
- 2017/18: Winners
- 2018/19: Winners
- 2019/20: Winners
- 2020/21: Fourth Round
- 2021/22: Semi-Finals
- 2022/23: Winners
- 2023/24: Winners
- 2024/25: Runners-up
They have played one Scottish Premiership side before, losing 5-0 to Hearts in a third round tie in the 2022/23 season.
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