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Match Coverage

The squads take the field to a thunderous reception, Hampden divided in two with blue and green sections. For the right to face St Mirren FC in this stadium this December … the action begins.

Other Matches

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham v Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the day's opening matches in the WSL.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain before the game begins at Hampden Park!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee this afternoon. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a continental game in the last term where he showed four sending-offs and a dozen bookings. Avoid challenging him.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has made it clear this week that he's used to participating in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall during Hansi Flick's appointment, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. Additionally, in the Championship during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I understand the significance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

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

I feel a big respect for that type of coaching legacy. I consider it consistently remarkable for a coach when you work so long in this field and you are successful.

I'm merely commencing of my career. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, separate eras and let's see what we can demonstrate via our selections in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience yet I foresee a massive occasion on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I feel all elements converge for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

The Celtic manager: The Celtic interim manager has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter against Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement may prove quite arduous, putting six past them against that side. I would take an unattractive 1-0 win if we could get it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', and they weren't even born. They tell me their family members were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our team, not merely in that term, but possibly for sustained development.

The anxiety for approximately three days prior to the match, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that it was relief more than anything else. Yet these represented superb matches really. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This constitutes a significant fixture for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for our side. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, but particularly given the circumstances of the past few days, if not weeks, certainly.

Coaching Background

Two new managers leading their teams today yet there's a substantial disparity in derby experience separating them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his twenty-eighth.

The outcome today may substantially affect on how long O'Neill's second spell as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay five million pounds in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They may attempt a more significant chance on Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a first taste of British football. These constitute chances in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

First XIs

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 begins instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that overcame Falkirk in their recent match.

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 is selected ahead of Max Aarons on the right, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

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