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The players head out amid the roar, Hampden split down the middle with blue and green sections. To earn the chance to play St Mirren FC in this stadium this December … the action begins.

Additional Fixtures

Other football: 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 initial games in the Women's Super League.

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

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle today. He also refereed the 2024 cup final featuring these two rivals and a continental game last season when he distributed four red cards and twelve cautions. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

The German coach: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has stated clearly recently that he's used to participating in other significant derbies in his coaching career, with Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift when you triumph in such matches. Furthermore, in England's second tier in the Steel derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance among the followers. This represents more than a simple match.

The German manager has been complimenting Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I have tremendous respect for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive for a coach when you work so long in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I'm only starting out of my career. There's much work remaining to reach that level however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, different generations and we'll observe what we can bring via our selections in this encounter.

I am very excited. I have had some experience yet I foresee a big, big one this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for a magnificent contest.

Rival Coach

The experienced boss: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week concerning his debut match versus their rivals two and a half decades past, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, scoring six goals against those opponents. I would accept a scrappy single-goal triumph if we managed to secure it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our team, not merely in that term, but possibly for sustained development.

The nervousness for about 72 hours prior to the match, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that it was relief more than anything else. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This is a big game for our club. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final, it's an important game for us. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, but particularly given the situation of recent times, if not recent weeks, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers leading their teams today yet there's a substantial disparity in rivalry knowledge between them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as Rangers manager whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

The outcome today may substantially affect regarding the tenure O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take an even bigger gamble with Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity of British football. These represent risks in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This is debatable.

Team Selections

Celtic FC (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 features ahead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest also drops out from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk during the week.

Rangers (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 ahead of Max Aarons on the right, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Opening Context

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