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The squads take the field to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park separated evenly into blue and green. For the opportunity to play St Mirren FC at this venue in December … it all kicks off.

Other Matches

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the early kick-offs in the women's top division.

Turning to this match, approximately five minutes remain before the start at Hampden!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this afternoon. He also refereed the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match in the last term where he showed four dismissals and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Coaching Perspectives

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has made it clear this week that he's familiar with being involved in other important local clashes in his coaching career, at Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recollect during Hansi Flick's appointment, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. As well, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I participated there too. I understand the significance to the supporters. This is more than just a game.

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

I have tremendous respect for that type of coaching legacy. I believe it's always impressive as a manager 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 reach that level though the encouraging factor we begin level, separate eras and let's see what we can demonstrate via our selections in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I have had some experience but I expect a big, big one on Sunday. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, you lose, you're out. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has been reflecting this week regarding his initial encounter with Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Now, repeating that performance could be very challenging, netting six times versus that team. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They relate to me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for our club, not only during that campaign, but likely for future progress.

The tension for nearly 72 hours prior to the match, and then should you secure success, significant comfort. And I feel that's precisely the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that comfort surpassed other feelings. But they were fantastic fixtures genuinely. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for our side. Any Celtic-Rangers game is a big game, but particularly given the situation of the past few days, if not recent weeks, absolutely.

Managerial Experience

Two new managers in the dugouts today but there's a big gap in rivalry knowledge between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

The outcome today may substantially affect on the duration O'Neill's second spell as temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

The club might spend £5m in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They may attempt an even bigger gamble with Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen an initial experience within British soccer. These represent risks to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is debatable.

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 instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest also drops out of the XI that beat Falkirk in their recent match.

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

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

James Tavernier is selected over Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in taking Connor Barron's suspended place in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in attack.

Match Preview

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