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The squads take the field into the noise, Hampden Park split down the middle between blue and green. To earn the chance to meet St Mirren FC here next month … here we go.

Other Matches

Additional games: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham v Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the initial games in the Women's Super League.

As for us, there's just over five minutes before the game begins at Hampden!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He also refereed the 2024 cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match last season during which he issued four sending-offs and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has made it clear recently that he's familiar with being involved in other significant derbies during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember during Hansi Flick's appointment, our second game was at home against Dortmund. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. As well, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I was involved in that as well. I understand the significance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

The young coach has been praising the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I have tremendous respect for that type of coaching legacy. I think it is always great as a manager when you work so long in this business and you are successful.

I am just at the beginning of my career. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point though the encouraging factor we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can bring through our squads in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience yet I foresee a massive occasion during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, it's all or nothing. Success secures a final place, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Opposition Manager

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter with Rangers 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that may prove quite arduous, putting six past them versus that team. I'd settle for an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They inform me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for our team, not merely in that term, but likely for future progress.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous relief. And I believe that's exactly the legendary Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that comfort surpassed other feelings. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for our side. Any Celtic-Rangers game represents a major event, however specifically because of the situation of recent times, if not weeks, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers in the dugouts today though there's a significant difference in Old Firm experience separating 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 temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They may attempt an even bigger gamble involving Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity within British soccer. These constitute chances in different manners. Beyond O'Neill? This remains questionable.

First XIs

Celtic FC (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Sarrachi; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Maeda, Kenny, Tounekti.

Reserves: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Osmand, McCowan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.

Marcelo Sarrachi begins preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that overcame Falkirk in midweek.

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 over Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in replacing the banned Connor Barron in the middle with Thelo Aasgaard favored instead of Mikey Moore in attack.

Match Preview

Good afternoon and welcome to the Old Firm. It's got to be better {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus