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The squads take the field into the noise, Hampden divided in two with blue and green sections. To earn the chance to face St Mirren at this venue next month … here we go.

Other Matches

Additional games: John Brewin provides live updates for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

Regarding our coverage, there's just over five minutes until kick-off at Hampden!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match in the last term during which he issued four dismissals and a dozen bookings. Steer clear of confrontation.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has made it clear recently that he's accustomed to taking part in other important local clashes as a coach, with Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We secured a 4-0 victory. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. As well, in the Championship in the Steel derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means among the followers. This transcends ordinary football.

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

I hold great admiration for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive for a coach when you sustain your career over decades in this field and accomplish your objectives.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to achieve similar status but the good thing is we start at 0-0, separate eras and let's see what we can demonstrate with our teams in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience yet I foresee a massive occasion on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. Success secures a final place, you lose, you're out. I feel all elements converge for a magnificent contest.

Opposition Manager

The experienced boss: The Celtic interim manager has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter versus their rivals a quarter-century ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Now, repeating that performance could be very challenging, netting six times against those opponents. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and inform me: 'That was a great game', though they weren't alive then. They inform me their family members discussed it frequently. It transformed into a crucial game for our club, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, a great relief. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures really. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for us. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for our squad. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, however specifically because of the circumstances of the recent days, possibly even months, certainly.

Coaching Background

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience between them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his twenty-eighth.

Today's result may substantially affect on how long O'Neill's return as temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen an initial experience in British football. These constitute chances in their own way. 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.

Subs: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Osmand, McCowan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.

Marcelo Sarrachi begins preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted 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.

Substitutes: Kelly, Aarons, Fernández, Rothwell, Antman, Moore, Gassama, Curtis, Miovski.

James Tavernier gets the nod ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas with Thelo Aasgaard favored to Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

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