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The squads take the field to a thunderous reception, Hampden separated evenly between blue and green. For the right to meet St Mirren FC here next month … the action begins.

Other Matches

Additional games: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

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

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this afternoon. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game the previous campaign during which he issued four dismissals and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has emphasized recently that he's used to participating in other major rivalries in his coaching career, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick took over, our following match was versus Dortmund at home. We secured a 4-0 victory. It consistently offers motivation when you triumph in such matches. Additionally, in the EFL Championship during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means among the followers. This represents more than a simple match.

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

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you remain active for so many years in this field and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to achieve similar status however the positive aspect we begin level, separate eras and let's see what we can demonstrate through our squads in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience yet I foresee a massive occasion on Sunday. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. Victory means reaching the final, a loss ends your participation. I feel all elements converge for a great, great game.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The temporary Celtic boss has recently been recalling about his first meeting with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Certainly, matching that achievement might be extremely difficult, putting six past them versus that team. I would accept a scrappy single-goal triumph if we managed to secure it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They tell me their family members spoke about it regularly. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not merely in that term, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours prior to the match, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I think that's what the renowned Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. Yet these represented superb matches really. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for our club. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's a big match for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game is a big game, though especially considering the circumstances of recent times, possibly even months, definitely.

Dugout History

Two different coaches leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in derby experience between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his 28th such match.

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

They could potentially invest five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity within British soccer. These constitute chances in different manners. 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 features preferred to Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that overcame Falkirk in midweek.

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 is selected instead of Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard chosen instead of Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Preamble

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