Key battles: Dundee Utd v Hibernian

Dundee United and Hibernian meet for the first time in a Scottish Cup semi-final on Saturday.

Hibs are flying high in the league and Tony Mowbray's young team have earned plaudits for the attractive, attacking play that has taken them up to third in the SPL table.

Dundee United are struggling at the foot of the table and battling to avoid the drop. But caretaker coach Gordon Chisholm has several quality players at his disposal.

Hibs needed a last-minute goal to see United off 3-2 on Saturday and this weekend's clash is likely to provide a few more goals as both teams like to get forward.

Here BBC Sport highlights the key battles likely to be played out at Hampden.

PAUL RITCHIE v GARRY O'CONNOR

Serious injury early in his career prevented Paul Ritchie from fulfilling all of the great potential he showed as a teenager with Hearts.

But, while the 29-year-old's lack of pace was exposed on a brief return to the Scotland set-up last year, he can call on the experience at Rangers and Manchester City to be a major influence at the back on his day.

Ritchie and his team-mates will need to be at the top of their game if they are to prevent Hibs' young forward line repeating their three-goal spree against United in the league at the weekend.

Garry O'Connor was on target last Saturday and is enjoying a great season at Easter Road.

Blessed with great strength and a good burst of pace, O'Connor is now more composed in front of goal and has a great understanding with strike partner Derek Riordan.

BARRY ROBSON v STEPHEN GLASS

Barry Robson is the man United look to for the supply of ammunition to their strikers.

The midfielder has bundles of energy and a great left foot that can wreak havoc from corners and free-kicks.

However, there is a slight doubt about his temperament and he has been guilty of losing his head when things are not going his way.

Stephen Glass has been hugely influential in the Hibs midfield this term and can hurt teams with his range of passing.

A former winger, he can still get to the by-line and deliver with his left foot, but he tends to patrol a more central beat these days and his intelligent promptings have set up many goals for the Riordan-O'Connor partnership.

JIM McINTYRE V GARY CALDWELL

Jim McIntyre is United's main goal threat and can finish well with either foot and his head.

Always dangerous in and around the penalty area, McIntyre is also a good link-up player - full of feints and flicks to help set-up his team-mates.

Gary Caldwell is a composed figure at the heart of the Hibs defence, although he can be called upon to beef up the midfield when the occasion arises.

Italy manager Marcello Lippi recently singled him out for snuffing out the threat of Francesco Totti at the San Siro.

Caldwell times his tackles well and likes to pass the ball out of defence, but he can be caught out dwelling in possession.