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The players head out amid the roar, Hampden Park separated evenly into blue and green. To earn the chance to face St Mirren FC in this stadium next month … it all kicks off.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the initial games in the WSL.

As for us, we're only five minutes away before the game begins at Hampden!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh will referee this afternoon. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match the previous campaign where he showed four sending-offs and twelve cautions. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

The Rangers manager: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has stated clearly this week that he's accustomed to taking part in other significant derbies in his coaching career, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick took over, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We secured a 4-0 victory. It is always a booster when you triumph in such matches. Additionally, in the EFL Championship during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

The young coach has been complimenting Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I have tremendous respect for that type of coaching legacy. I consider it consistently remarkable for a coach when you remain active for so many years in this business and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to reach that level however the positive aspect we commence evenly matched, separate eras and let's see what we can contribute through our squads in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I have had some experience yet I foresee an enormous event during Sunday's match. To be involved in this fixture, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, defeat means elimination. I feel all elements converge for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has recently been recalling concerning his debut match against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Certainly, matching that achievement might be extremely difficult, putting six past them against that side. I'd settle for an unattractive 1-0 win if we managed to secure it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was a great game', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for our club, 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 believe that's exactly the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that it was relief more than anything else. Yet these represented superb matches genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our team. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals constitutes a significant occasion, but particularly given the circumstances of the recent days, possibly even months, certainly.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge among 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 regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as temporary Celtic manager persists, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

The club might spend £5m in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They could take a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste within British soccer. These represent risks in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

Team Selections

Celtic FC (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 preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest also drops out from the first team that defeated Falkirk in midweek.

Rangers FC (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 receives preference over Max Aarons in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in attack.

Preamble

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