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Match Coverage

The squads take the field into the noise, Hampden separated evenly between blue and green. To earn the chance to face St Mirren here next month … the action begins.

Other Matches

Additional games: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham vs Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the initial games in the Women's Super League.

Turning to this match, there's just over five minutes before the game begins at Hampden Park!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh will referee today. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match last season where he showed four sending-offs and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Manager Insights

The Rangers manager: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has emphasized in recent days that he's accustomed to participating in other significant derbies as a coach, during his time at Bayern and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. Furthermore, in England's second tier in the Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I recognize the importance for the fans. This transcends ordinary football.

The German manager has been complimenting the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I feel a big respect for such a coaching career. I think it is always great for a coach when you work so long in this industry and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point however the positive aspect we commence evenly matched, different generations and we'll discover what we can demonstrate with our teams in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect a big, big one this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, defeat means elimination. I feel all elements converge for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has been reflecting this week concerning his debut match against Rangers 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Certainly, matching that achievement could be very challenging, netting six times versus that team. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win if we managed to secure it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was a great game', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers discussed it frequently. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and then should you secure success, tremendous relief. And I think that's what the great Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This represents an important match for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's an important game for us. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, but particularly given the conditions of recent times, if not recent weeks, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge among them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage of his 28th.

The outcome today could have a major impact on the duration O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

They could potentially invest five million pounds in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a more significant chance on Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity within British soccer. These are all gambles in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This is debatable.

Starting Lineups

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 starts ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest also drops out from the starting lineup that defeated Falkirk in midweek.

Rangers FC (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 gets the nod over Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in replacing the banned Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Match Preview

Greetings and welcome to this derby match. It's got to be better {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus