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The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden split down the middle into blue and green. For the right to face St Mirren at this venue this December … it all kicks off.

Other Matches

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham v Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the women's top division.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain before the game begins at Hampden Park!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee today. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game last season during which he issued four sending-offs and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the recently appointed boss has emphasized this week that he's familiar with participating in other significant derbies in his coaching career, at Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match was at home against Dortmund. We triumphed 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. Furthermore, in the Championship in the Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I understand the significance to the supporters. This transcends ordinary football.

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

I feel a big respect for that type of coaching legacy. I consider it consistently remarkable in this profession when you sustain your career over decades in this business and you are successful.

I am just at the beginning my professional journey. There's much work remaining to come to this point however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, separate eras and let's see what we can demonstrate with our teams in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience but I expect a big, big one on Sunday. To participate in such a match, the stakes are extremely high. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has been reflecting this week about his first meeting with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement might be extremely difficult, putting six past them against those opponents. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Certain supporters approach and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for our team, not only during that campaign, but likely for future progress.

The tension for nearly 72 hours beforehand, and then should you secure success, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for our team. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final, it's a big match for us. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, though especially considering the circumstances of recent times, if not weeks, definitely.

Coaching Background

Two fresh managers on the sidelines this afternoon but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his 28th such match.

The outcome today could have a major impact regarding the tenure O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

The club might spend substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The title holders might choose to offer Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a first taste of British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is debatable.

First XIs

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 ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is additionally excluded of the XI that beat 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, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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