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Match Coverage

The teams emerge into the noise, Hampden Park divided in two into blue and green. For the opportunity to face St Mirren FC in this stadium next month … the action begins.

Additional Fixtures

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the women's top division.

Turning to this match, approximately five minutes remain before the start at Hampden!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh will referee today. He also refereed the 2024 cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game the previous campaign where he showed four dismissals and 12 yellows. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the fresh-faced gaffer has made it clear recently that he's accustomed to taking part in other important local clashes in his coaching career, with Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember during Hansi Flick's appointment, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. Furthermore, in the EFL Championship in the Sheffield derby, I was involved in that as well. I know what it means for the fans. This is more than just a game.

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

I hold great admiration for that type of coaching legacy. I consider it consistently remarkable as a manager when you remain active for so many years in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I'm only starting out my coaching path. I have a lot of work to do to reach that level though the encouraging factor we begin level, separate eras and let's see what we can demonstrate via our selections in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience but I expect a massive occasion this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. Victory means reaching the final, a loss ends your participation. I believe all factors align for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

Martin O'Neill: The temporary Celtic boss has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter against Rangers 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement may prove quite arduous, putting six past them against those opponents. I would take a scrappy single-goal triumph should we achieve it. Various individuals tell me and mention to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', and they weren't even born. They relate to me their family members were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for our team, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous relief. And I think that's what the great Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that comfort surpassed other feelings. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for our club. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's an important game for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game represents a major event, however specifically because of the conditions of the recent days, possibly even months, definitely.

Dugout History

Two different coaches in the dugouts today though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage of his 28th.

Today's result might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

They could potentially invest five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They could take a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen an initial experience in British football. These constitute chances in their own way. More than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

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 starts instead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest also drops out of the XI that beat Falkirk in their recent match.

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 gets the nod ahead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in attack.

Opening Context

Hello and welcome to this Old Firm clash. It should be improved {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus