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Match Coverage

The teams emerge to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park split down the middle between blue and green. To earn the chance to meet St Mirren here in December … here we go.

Other Football

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the initial games in the Women's Super League.

As for us, approximately five minutes remain until kick-off at Hampden Park!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle today. He also refereed the 2024 Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game the previous campaign during which he issued four red cards and a dozen bookings. Steer clear of confrontation.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has made it clear in recent days that he's familiar with being involved in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. As well, in the Championship in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I understand the significance among the followers. This transcends ordinary football.

The German manager has been complimenting Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I feel a big respect for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you work so long in this business and achieve success.

I'm merely commencing of my career. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status but the good thing is we begin level, distinct coaching generations and we'll observe what we can contribute with our teams in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I've accumulated certain experiences though I anticipate a massive occasion this Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. Victory means reaching the final, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The stand-in manager has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter against Rangers 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, netting six times against that side. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory if we could get it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They inform me their grandfathers and fathers spoke about it regularly. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not just that season, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and then should you secure success, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the legendary Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that comfort surpassed other feelings. But they were fantastic fixtures truly. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This is a big game for us. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for us. Every Old Firm match is a big game, however specifically because of the circumstances of recent times, 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 as Rangers manager whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his twenty-eighth.

Today's result could have a major impact on the duration O'Neill's second spell as temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest £5m in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They might consider an even bigger gamble with Robbie Keane. The title holders might choose to offer Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen an initial experience within British soccer. These constitute chances in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Team Selections

Celtic (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 starts instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted from the starting lineup that defeated Falkirk in midweek.

Rangers (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 receives preference ahead of Max Aarons on the right, including Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas with Thelo Aasgaard favored instead of Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

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