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The players head out into the noise, Hampden split down the middle with blue and green sections. To earn the chance to meet St Mirren FC at this venue this December … the action begins.

Additional Fixtures

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham v Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the early kick-offs in the Women's Super League.

Turning to this match, we're only five minutes away before the start at Hampden Park!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh will referee today. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final involving Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture the previous campaign when he distributed four red cards and twelve cautions. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized this week that he's accustomed to taking part in other important local clashes in his coaching career, with Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match was at home against Dortmund. We secured a 4-0 victory. It is always a booster following success in these encounters. As well, in the EFL Championship during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I understand the significance for the fans. This represents more than a simple match.

The young coach has been complimenting 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I feel a big respect for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and you are successful.

I'm only starting out of my career. There's much work remaining to reach that level but the good thing is we begin level, separate eras and we'll discover what we can demonstrate via our selections in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience yet I foresee a big, big one this Sunday. To participate in such a match, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I feel all elements converge for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

The experienced boss: The Celtic interim manager has recently been recalling concerning his debut match with Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, scoring six goals against those opponents. I would take an unattractive 1-0 win if we could get it. Various individuals tell me and inform me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', despite not being born at the time. They inform me their grandfathers and fathers discussed it frequently. It became a really pivotal match for our club, not just that season, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours prior to the match, and then should you secure success, significant comfort. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This constitutes a significant fixture for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final encounter, it's an important game for our side. Every Old Firm match constitutes a significant occasion, though especially considering the situation of the recent days, if not recent weeks, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in Old Firm experience between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage of his 28th.

Today's result may substantially affect on the duration O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss persists, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They may attempt a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste of British football. These are all gambles in different manners. Beyond O'Neill? This is debatable.

First XIs

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 starts instead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the starting lineup that beat 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 instead of Max Aarons on the right, with Mohamed Diomande coming in taking Connor Barron's suspended place in the middle with Thelo Aasgaard favored instead of Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

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