Rangers-Aberdeen semi on 31 October, Edinburgh derby on 1 November

WHAT HAPPENED
Rangers will meet Aberdeen in one Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on 31 October, kick-off 17:30 BST. The other semi-final, the Edinburgh derby between Hearts and Hibernian, has been scheduled for 1 November with a 15:00 start, also at Hampden.

The Scottish Professional Football League has announced the match locations along with allocated spectator stands and ticket pricing. The four semi-finalists reached this stage via the following quarter-final results: Rangers beat Celtic 3-0; Aberdeen advanced past Kilmarnock on penalties after a 1-1 draw; Hearts won 3-0 at Stenhousemuir; Hibernian recorded a 3-0 victory at Ross County.

KEY CONTEXT
Hampden Park will stage both semi-finals, consolidating the competition’s last-four fixtures at Scotland’s national stadium. Earlier in the domestic season Rangers defeated Aberdeen 1-0 at Pittodrie, and Hearts had already beaten Hibernian 3-1 at Easter Road in the campaign’s first Edinburgh derby. On the same day as the Rangers–Aberdeen semi-final there are three Premiership matches listed: Falkirk v Celtic, Kilmarnock v St Johnstone and Motherwell v St Mirren.

WHY IT MATTERS
Both ties bring narrative weight from recent meetings: Rangers hold the earlier-season league win over Aberdeen, while Hearts have already prevailed in this season’s initial Edinburgh derby. Hosting both semis at Hampden concentrates marquee fixtures at the national venue and gives supporters clarity on locations and pricing following the SPFL announcement. The scheduling also places the Rangers–Aberdeen semi amid a full Premiership card, which may be relevant for clubs and fans planning travel and attendance.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
The SPFL confirmation of allocated stands and ticket prices is the immediate practical development; supporters will be watching for ticket-sale details and allocation specifics from the league and clubs. On the sporting side, how the semi-finalists approach repeat encounters — Rangers v Aberdeen and the Edinburgh rivals — will be the key storyline heading into the end of October and start of November.

KEY FACTS
- Rangers v Aberdeen: 31 October, 17:30 BST, Hampden Park.
- Hearts v Hibernian: 1 November, 15:00, Hampden Park.
- Quarter-final progress: Rangers 3-0 Celtic; Aberdeen advanced on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock; Hearts 3-0 Stenhousemuir; Hibernian 3-0 Ross County.
- Earlier season meetings: Aberdeen 0–1 Rangers at Pittodrie; Hearts 3–1 Hibernian at Easter Road.
- Three Premiership fixtures are scheduled on 31 October: Falkirk v Celtic, Kilmarnock v St Johnstone, Motherwell v St Mirren.