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Match Coverage

The squads take the field amid the roar, Hampden split down the middle between blue and green. For the opportunity to play St Mirren here in December … it all kicks off.

Additional Fixtures

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the early kick-offs in the Women's Super League.

As for us, approximately five minutes remain before the start at Hampden Park!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He also refereed the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture in the last term when he distributed four sending-offs and a dozen bookings. Avoid challenging him.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has stated clearly this week that he's familiar with participating in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall during Hansi Flick's appointment, our following match was versus Dortmund at home. We secured a 4-0 victory. It consistently offers motivation when you triumph in such matches. Furthermore, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I was involved in that as well. I know what it means for the fans. This transcends ordinary football.

The 36-year-old German has been complimenting 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I have tremendous respect for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive for a coach when you sustain your career over decades in this business and you are successful.

I am just at the beginning of my career. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point however the positive aspect we begin level, distinct coaching generations and we'll observe what we can demonstrate through our squads in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I have had some experience but I expect a massive occasion on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, the stakes are extremely high. Success secures a final place, you lose, you're out. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

The experienced boss: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week about his first meeting with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement might be extremely difficult, putting six past them versus that team. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win if we managed to secure it. Certain supporters approach and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They tell me their family members spoke about it regularly. It transformed into a crucial game for us, not merely in that term, but probably for continuing on.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, a great 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 remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, however specifically because of the situation of the recent days, if not weeks, definitely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches on the sidelines this afternoon but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his twenty-eighth.

The outcome today might significantly influence on the duration O'Neill's return as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They could take an even bigger gamble involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen an initial experience of British football. These constitute chances to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

First XIs

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 at left-back. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk during the week.

Rangers (3-4-3): Butland; Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Tavernier, Diomande, Raskin, Meghoma; Aasgaard, Chermiti, Danilo.

Subs: Kelly, Aarons, Fernández, Rothwell, Antman, Moore, Gassama, Curtis, Miovski.

James Tavernier is selected instead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard chosen instead of Mikey Moore in attack.

Opening Context

Hello and welcome to the Old Firm. It's got to be better {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus