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Match Coverage

The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park separated evenly between blue and green. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren FC at this venue next month … the action begins.

Other Football

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham v Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

Regarding our coverage, we're only five minutes away before the game begins at the national stadium!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh will referee today. He previously officiated the 2024 Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a Europa League match last season when he distributed four dismissals and 12 yellows. Avoid challenging him.

Coaching Perspectives

The German coach: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the fresh-faced gaffer has stated clearly in recent days that he's used to being involved in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our following match was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. 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 recognize the importance to the supporters. This transcends ordinary football.

The young coach has also been lauding 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I consider it consistently remarkable in this profession when you work so long in this industry and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status however the positive aspect we commence evenly matched, different generations and we'll discover what we can bring through our squads in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I have had some experience but I expect a massive occasion during Sunday's match. To be involved in this fixture, 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

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has been reflecting this week concerning his debut match against Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that might be extremely difficult, putting six past them against those opponents. I'd settle for an unattractive 1-0 win if we could get it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was a great game', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for us, not only during that campaign, but likely for future progress.

The anxiety for approximately three days prior to the match, and then if you got the result, significant comfort. And I think that's what the renowned Walter Smith often mentioned too, that relief outweighed other emotions. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This represents an important match for our team. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for us. Every Old Firm match is a big game, however specifically because of the situation of the recent days, possibly even months, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two new managers in the dugouts today but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge of his 28th.

Today's result could have a major impact regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity in British football. These constitute chances in different manners. Even more than 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 preferred to Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that beat Falkirk in their recent match.

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 instead of Max Aarons on the right side, featuring Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard chosen to Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

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