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The players head out amid the roar, Hampden separated evenly between blue and green. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren FC at this venue next month … the action begins.

Additional Fixtures

More matches: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

As for us, approximately five minutes remain before the start at Hampden Park!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle today. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final featuring these two rivals and a Europa League match last season when he distributed four sending-offs and a dozen bookings. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

The German coach: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the fresh-faced gaffer has emphasized in recent days that he's accustomed to participating in other significant derbies in his coaching career, during his time at Bayern and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick took over, our second game was at home against Dortmund. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. Additionally, in the EFL Championship in the Sheffield derby, I participated there too. I understand the significance among the followers. This is more than just a game.

The young coach has been complimenting Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I feel a big respect for that type of coaching legacy. I believe it's always impressive as a manager when you work so long in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I'm merely commencing my coaching path. I have substantial work ahead to achieve similar status though the encouraging factor we begin level, different generations and let's see what we can contribute via our selections in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a big, big one during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. Victory means reaching the final, you lose, you're out. I feel all elements converge for a great, great game.

Rival Coach

The Celtic manager: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Well, replicating that might be extremely difficult, scoring six goals against those opponents. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They inform me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for our team, not only during that campaign, but probably for continuing on.

The nervousness for about 72 hours prior to the match, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I feel that's precisely the legendary Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that comfort surpassed other feelings. Yet these represented superb matches genuinely. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This represents an important match for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for our side. Each encounter between these rivals constitutes a significant occasion, however specifically because of the conditions of recent times, possibly even months, certainly.

Dugout History

Two different coaches on the sidelines this afternoon yet there's a substantial disparity in derby experience among them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as Rangers manager whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

The outcome today may substantially affect on the duration O'Neill's second spell as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

The club might spend £5m in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The title holders might choose to offer Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste in British football. These represent risks to varying degrees. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

Starting Lineups

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 instead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the starting lineup that defeated Falkirk during the week.

Rangers FC (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 on the right side, featuring Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

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