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Match Coverage

The squads take the field into the noise, Hampden divided in two into blue and green. For the right to play St Mirren in this stadium next month … here we go.

Other Matches

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham v Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the WSL.

Turning to this match, we're only five minutes away before the game begins at Hampden!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh will referee this afternoon. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final featuring these two rivals and a continental game the previous campaign when he distributed four dismissals and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized recently that he's familiar with being involved in other significant derbies during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It consistently offers motivation when you triumph in such matches. Additionally, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance to the supporters. This is more than just a game.

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

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I consider it consistently remarkable for a coach when you work so long in this field and you are successful.

I am just at the beginning my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to reach that level but the good thing is we begin level, distinct coaching generations and we'll discover what we can bring with our teams in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience yet I foresee an enormous event during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, the stakes are extremely high. Victory means reaching the final, a loss ends your participation. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Counterpart Perspective

The experienced boss: The stand-in manager has been reflecting this week regarding his initial encounter against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Certainly, matching that achievement might be extremely difficult, putting six past them versus that team. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Various individuals tell me and inform me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', though they weren't alive then. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers spoke about it regularly. It became a really pivotal match for our team, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The anxiety for approximately three days before, and then should you secure success, a great relief. And I think that's what the renowned Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. But they were fantastic fixtures really. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This is a big game for our club. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final encounter, it's an important game for us. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, but particularly given the circumstances of recent times, if not recent weeks, certainly.

Managerial Experience

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon but there's a big gap in derby experience between them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

Today's result may substantially affect on how long O'Neill's second spell as (interim, for now) Celtic boss continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste in British football. These constitute chances to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Starting Lineups

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

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

Marcelo Sarrachi features ahead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk during the week.

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 receives preference over Max Aarons in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard preferred instead of Mikey Moore in attack.

Preamble

Good afternoon and welcome to this Old Firm clash. It should be improved {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus