The last week surrounding the Old Firm has shown us that, if anything, making damning conclusions is always far too presumptuous.
riticism of managers, players and teams is an unavoidable part of life for everyone associated with Rangers and Celtic.
In the case of the latter, the sheer exasperation with manager Neil Lennon, the boardroom and a stuttering, underachieving squad has been utterly volcanic and occasionally skewed of perspective.
Rangers, conversely, have discovered that they are now less immune from voluble criticism themselves, a 27-game unbeaten run surprisingly ended against St Mirren in the Quarter-Final of the League Cup in midweek.
Therefore, considering the vitriol Lennon has endured across Glasgow, with two wins in his last seven games, and with Rangers bathed in praise until losing to Saints, it would be ironic if it were Celtic that ended up with silverware this weekend.
It still seems odd to be discussing a belated Scottish Cup Final from last term, taking place today at Hampden Park and still with no spectators allowed.
And for all the Covid-19-related anxieties, Lennon will, nonetheless, be hungry to finally deliver the final, decorative bauble of a quadruple treble for Celtic.
How - even amid the empty slopes of the National Stadium - the Northern Irishman would relish lifting the Cup and easing weight from his shoulders.
As if it needed repeating: they came into this weekend 13 points behind Rangers in the Premiership, out of the League Cup and bottom of their Europa League group.
Only Hearts stand in Celtic's way - and this is not going to be straightforward for the Cup holders who have at least won their last two games, against Lille in the Europa League and Kilmarnock in the Premiership. Fresh green shoots, perhaps.
This is a rerun of the previous Final, in May 2019 when Celtic recovered from a goal down to defeat the Jam Tarts 2-1. Such prosperous times for Lennon - appointed as permanent boss in the aftermath - and striker Odsonne Edouard in particular.
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker was the matchwinner with a double after Hearts went in front. Nineteen months on, Edouard might be one of only four in this afternoon's starting line-up who survive from that dramatic day.
Such considerations are all part of Lennon's selection issues. Who can he rely on for the showpiece? Is there, for example, enough faith in the twin enigmas of Edouard and Mohamed Elyounoussi?
The goalkeeping and midfield positions for today are of special concern. Will Conor Hazard be given the nod in goal? Having played just two games so far, it is up to Lennon whether he reckons the Northern Ireland man is capable of handling a Cup Final.
On the other hand, a look at Hearts' keeper today, Craig Gordon, suggests Celtic were premature in releasing the highly experienced Scotland international. A blunt lesson for Parkhead bean counters.
In terms of the central area, it really should be a case of opting for those who can best handle responsibility, hence the return of Scott Brown.
The captain is showing signs of fatigue as Celtic attempt to inject life into their faltering 10 in a row quest. Yet, having been over these courses and won countless medals, Lennon is certain to prefer his trusted lieutenant on the park.
Dynamism can be provided by David Turnbull, who was terrific against Lille - a player who has brought real positivity to the set-up.
For Hearts, the Final represents a free shot at glory in a competition they last won in 2012. The Edinburgh club still harness understandable resentment for their enforced demotion last term but have channelled it in the appropriate manner by going top of the Championship table. Manager Robbie Neilson and assistant Lee McCulloch are well versed in big occasions and have a squad possessed of daring and experience.
As well as Gordon in goal, the Jam Tarts have warriors in Steven Naismith, Andy Halliday, Christophe Berra and Peter Haring. There is, additionally, the Northern Ireland connection: Michael Smith and Liam Boyce. Smith, the epitome of diligence, and Boyce, who netted the winner in the Semi-Final against city rivals Hibernian.
Despite their Championship status, if Neilson's men triumph it would not actually represent a massive shock in the current circumstances. It would, though, reignite tumbling criticism of Lennon. Only in Glasgow would the failure to clinch a remarkable quadruple treble jeopardise a manager's prospects.
