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Match Coverage

The squads take the field into the noise, Hampden divided in two with blue and green sections. For the right to meet St Mirren at this venue this December … here we go.

Other Matches

Other football: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham v Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

As for us, approximately five minutes remain before the start at the national stadium!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh will referee today. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals plus a European fixture the previous campaign when he distributed four sending-offs and twelve cautions. Avoid challenging him.

Dugout Views

Danny Röhl: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized this week that he's accustomed to taking part in other significant derbies in his coaching career, at Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall during Hansi Flick's appointment, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We secured a 4-0 victory. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. As well, in the Championship in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means to the supporters. This represents more than a simple match.

The German manager has been complimenting Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I feel a big respect for such a coaching career. I consider it consistently remarkable in this profession when you work so long in this industry and you are successful.

I'm merely commencing my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to reach that level though the encouraging factor we begin level, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can contribute via our selections in this fixture.

I'm tremendously excited. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a big, big one this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, the stakes are extremely high. Success secures a final place, you lose, you're out. I feel all elements converge for a magnificent contest.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match against Rangers 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, scoring six goals against that side. I would accept a scrappy single-goal triumph should we achieve it. Some lads come up and inform me: 'That was a great game', though they weren't alive then. They inform me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for us, not only during that campaign, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours beforehand, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This is a big game for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game constitutes a significant occasion, however specifically because of the circumstances of recent times, if not weeks, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches on the sidelines this afternoon but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his twenty-eighth.

Today's result might significantly influence on the duration O'Neill's comeback as temporary Celtic manager persists, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions may opt to give Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a first taste of British football. These constitute chances in different manners. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

Team Selections

Celtic FC (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Sarrachi; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Maeda, Kenny, Tounekti.

Reserves: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Osmand, McCowan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.

Marcelo Sarrachi starts instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that overcame Falkirk in their recent match.

Rangers FC (3-4-3): Butland; Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Tavernier, Diomande, Raskin, Meghoma; Aasgaard, Chermiti, Danilo.

Substitutes: Kelly, Aarons, Fernández, Rothwell, Antman, Moore, Gassama, Curtis, Miovski.

James Tavernier receives preference over Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in attack.

Preamble

Good afternoon and welcome to this Old Firm clash. It's got to be better {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus