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Match Coverage

The squads take the field amid the roar, Hampden Park split down the middle into blue and green. To earn the chance to face St Mirren FC at this venue in December … it all kicks off.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin provides live updates for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the initial games in the Women's Super League.

Regarding our coverage, there's just over five minutes before the start at Hampden Park!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh takes charge this match. He also refereed the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a continental game the previous campaign during which he issued four dismissals and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Manager Insights

The German coach: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the fresh-faced gaffer has stated clearly in recent days that he's accustomed to being involved in other major rivalries as a coach, during his time at Bayern and Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match 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 recognize the importance for the fans. This represents more than a simple match.

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

I hold great admiration for such a managerial journey. I think it is always great for a coach when you remain active for so many years in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I'm only starting out of my career. There's much work remaining to come to this point but the good thing is we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and we'll observe what we can contribute via our selections in this encounter.

I am very 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, you lose, you're out. I feel all elements converge for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match versus their rivals two and a half decades past, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Certainly, matching that achievement might be extremely difficult, netting six times against that side. I would take a scrappy single-goal triumph if we managed to secure it. Certain supporters approach and mention to me: 'That was a great game', and they weren't even born. They relate to me their family members spoke about it regularly. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not merely in that term, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. However these were magnificent contests really. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This represents an important match for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for our side. Every Old Firm match is a big game, but particularly given the conditions of recent times, if not weeks, definitely.

Coaching Background

Two fresh managers 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 28th such match.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as (interim, for now) Celtic boss continues, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They could take a more significant chance on Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen an initial experience of British football. These represent risks to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is debatable.

Team Selections

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 features ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that defeated Falkirk in midweek.

Rangers FC (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 gets the nod over Max Aarons in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in attack.

Preamble

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