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The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park divided in two between blue and green. To earn the chance to face St Mirren FC in this stadium next month … the action begins.

Other Matches

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the early kick-offs in the Women's Super League.

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

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He previously officiated the 2024 Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game the previous campaign during which he issued four dismissals and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Dugout Views

Danny Röhl: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has made it clear this week that he's familiar with being involved in other major rivalries in his coaching career, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation if you win such a game. As well, in the EFL Championship in the Steel derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance among the followers. This is more than just a game.

The German manager has also been lauding 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

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 business and accomplish your objectives.

I am just at the beginning of my career. I have substantial work ahead to achieve similar status but the good thing is we begin level, separate eras and we'll observe what we can demonstrate with our teams in this encounter.

I am very excited. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a massive occasion on Sunday. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I think everything is on for a great, great game.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The stand-in manager has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match versus their rivals a quarter-century ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that might be extremely difficult, scoring six goals versus that team. I'd settle for a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Some lads come up and say to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', despite not being born at the time. They relate to me their family members were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our club, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The anxiety for approximately three days prior to the match, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. Yet these represented superb matches really. It's still a fantastic fixture.

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 our side. Every Old Firm match constitutes a significant occasion, though especially considering the situation of the past few days, possibly even months, definitely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers in the dugouts today yet there's a substantial disparity in derby experience between them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's comeback as temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity of British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Starting Lineups

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 begins preferred to Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the first team that overcame Falkirk in their recent match.

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 receives preference ahead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard chosen instead of Mikey Moore in attack.

Preamble

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