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The teams emerge amid the roar, Hampden separated evenly into blue and green. For the opportunity to play St Mirren FC in this stadium in December … it all kicks off.

Other Matches

Other football: John Brewin provides live updates for West Ham vs Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the WSL.

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

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle today. He also refereed the 2024 Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals plus a European fixture in the last term during which he issued four sending-offs and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Manager Insights

The German coach: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the new Rangers manager has emphasized this week that he's familiar with being involved in other important local clashes as a coach, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. Additionally, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I understand the significance to the supporters. This represents more than a simple match.

The young coach has also been lauding the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I have tremendous respect for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive for a coach when you remain active for so many years in this field and accomplish your objectives.

I'm only starting out of my career. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point but the good thing is we commence evenly matched, separate eras and let's see what we can contribute with our teams in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a massive occasion this Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. You win, you go into the final, defeat means elimination. I feel all elements converge for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The stand-in manager has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter with Rangers 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, putting six past them against that side. I would accept a scrappy single-goal triumph if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and inform me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They tell me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for our team, not merely in that term, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous relief. And I feel that's precisely the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that it was relief more than anything else. However these were magnificent contests really. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our team. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a crucial contest for our side. Any Celtic-Rangers game represents a major event, however specifically because of the conditions of recent times, possibly even months, certainly.

Dugout History

Two different coaches in the dugouts today yet there's a substantial disparity in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

Today's result could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss persists, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They might consider a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge an initial experience in British football. These constitute chances to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This is debatable.

First XIs

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 begins instead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the starting lineup that defeated Falkirk in midweek.

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

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

James Tavernier is selected instead of Max Aarons on the right side, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored to Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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