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Match Coverage

The squads take the field amid the roar, Hampden divided in two into blue and green. For the right to face St Mirren FC in this stadium in December … the action begins.

Other Matches

Other football: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the initial games in the women's top division.

Turning to this match, there's just over five minutes until kick-off at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this afternoon. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a continental game last season where he showed four sending-offs and twelve cautions. Steer clear of confrontation.

Coaching Perspectives

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has stated clearly recently that he's accustomed to participating in other significant derbies as a coach, with Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our following match was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It consistently offers motivation when you triumph in such matches. As well, in the EFL Championship in the Steel derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means for the fans. This represents more than a simple match.

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

I hold great admiration 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 industry and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and we'll discover what we can bring via our selections in this encounter.

I am very excited. I have had some experience though I anticipate a big, big one during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for a great, great game.

Counterpart Perspective

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

Well, replicating that might be extremely difficult, netting six times against that side. I'd settle for a scrappy single-goal triumph if we could get it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was a great game', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers discussed it frequently. It became a really pivotal match for us, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The tension for nearly 72 hours prior to the match, and then should you secure success, a great relief. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for us. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for us. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, though especially considering the situation of recent times, possibly even months, certainly.

Managerial Experience

Two new managers in the dugouts today yet there's a substantial disparity in rivalry knowledge separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge of his 28th.

The outcome today could have a major impact on the duration O'Neill's comeback as temporary Celtic manager continues, as Ewan Murray has considered.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity of British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

First XIs

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

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

Marcelo Sarrachi features preferred to Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk during the week.

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 is selected over Max Aarons on the right, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored instead of Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

Greetings and welcome to this derby match. It ought to be superior {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus