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Match Coverage

The teams emerge to a thunderous reception, Hampden separated evenly between blue and green. For the opportunity to face St Mirren FC at this venue in December … here we go.

Other Matches

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain before the start at Hampden!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match last season during which he issued four red cards and twelve cautions. Steer clear of confrontation.

Manager Insights

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has emphasized this week that he's accustomed to being involved in other major rivalries in his coaching career, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We secured a 4-0 victory. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. Furthermore, in the EFL Championship during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means among the followers. This represents more than a simple match.

The young coach has also been lauding 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I consider it consistently remarkable in this profession when you remain active for so many years in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I'm merely commencing my coaching path. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, separate eras and we'll observe what we can contribute through our squads in this encounter.

I'm tremendously excited. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect an enormous event this Sunday. To be part of such a game, it's all or nothing. You win, you go into the final, you lose, you're out. I think everything is on for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter against Rangers two and a half decades past, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Certainly, matching that achievement may prove quite arduous, netting six times versus that team. I'd settle for a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was a great game', despite not being born at the time. They inform me their family members spoke about it regularly. It transformed into a crucial game for our club, not merely in that term, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours prior to the match, and then if you got the result, significant comfort. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. But they were fantastic fixtures really. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's an important game for our squad. Every Old Firm match constitutes a significant occasion, though especially considering the situation of the past few days, if not weeks, definitely.

Dugout History

Two new managers in the dugouts today though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge between them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his 28th such match.

The outcome today might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss persists, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend £5m in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They may attempt a larger risk involving Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity within British soccer. These represent risks in different manners. More than O'Neill? This is debatable.

Team Selections

Celtic (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 ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the first team 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 instead of Max Aarons on the right, featuring Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in the middle with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in attack.

Preamble

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