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The teams emerge into the noise, Hampden split down the middle between blue and green. For the opportunity to face St Mirren in this stadium in December … the action begins.

Other Matches

Other football: John Brewin provides live updates for West Ham v 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, approximately five minutes remain before the game begins at Hampden Park!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh will referee this match. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final featuring these two rivals and a Europa League match in the last term during which he issued four sending-offs and a dozen bookings. Avoid challenging him.

Coaching Perspectives

The Rangers manager: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the recently appointed boss has made it clear this week that he's familiar with participating in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We secured a 4-0 victory. It is always a booster when you triumph in such matches. As well, in the Championship 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 36-year-old German 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 for a coach when you sustain your career over decades in this field and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have substantial work ahead to reach that level though the encouraging factor we start at 0-0, different generations and let's see what we can bring with our teams in this fixture.

I'm tremendously excited. I've gained some experience but I expect an enormous event this Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. You win, you go into the final, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week about his first meeting against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, netting six times against those opponents. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory if we could get it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was a great game', and they weren't even born. They tell me their family members discussed it frequently. It became a really pivotal match for us, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The nervousness for about 72 hours prior to the match, and then should you secure success, significant comfort. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. However these were magnificent contests really. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for our club. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a big match for our side. Each encounter between these rivals constitutes a significant occasion, however specifically because of the conditions of the recent days, if not weeks, certainly.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge between them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence on the duration O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss persists, as Ewan Murray has considered.

The club might spend substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take a larger risk on Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste of British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. Beyond O'Neill? This remains questionable.

First XIs

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 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 receives preference ahead of Max Aarons on the right, featuring Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

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