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The teams emerge into the noise, Hampden Park separated evenly into blue and green. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren FC at this venue this December … here we go.

Additional Fixtures

More matches: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham v Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the day's opening matches in the women's top division.

Turning to this match, there's just over five minutes before the start at Hampden Park!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture last season when he distributed four red cards and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Manager Insights

The Rangers manager: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the new Rangers manager has emphasized in recent days that he's accustomed to taking part in other significant derbies in his coaching career, with Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall during Hansi Flick's appointment, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We won 4-0. It is always a booster if you win such a game. Furthermore, in the EFL Championship during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance among the followers. This is more than just a game.

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

I feel a big respect for such a coaching career. I consider it consistently remarkable in this profession when you work so long in this business and achieve success.

I'm merely commencing my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to achieve similar status but the good thing is we begin level, separate eras and let's see what we can contribute via our selections in this fixture.

I am very excited. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect a big, big one on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, the stakes are extremely high. Success secures a final place, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

The Celtic manager: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week regarding his initial encounter against Rangers two and a half decades past, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Certainly, matching that achievement may prove quite arduous, scoring six goals against that side. I'd settle for a scrappy single-goal triumph should we achieve it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They inform me their ancestors and parents spoke about it regularly. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our club, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours beforehand, and then should you secure success, tremendous relief. And I believe that's exactly the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's an important game for our side. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, though especially considering the circumstances of the recent days, possibly even months, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon yet there's a substantial disparity in derby experience among them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge of his 28th.

The outcome today may substantially affect regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

The club might spend substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a larger risk on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity in British football. These represent risks in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Team Selections

Celtic FC (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 features ahead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest also drops out 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 gets the nod ahead of Max Aarons on the right, with Mohamed Diomande coming in replacing the banned Connor Barron in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored to Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

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