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Match Coverage

The players head out amid the roar, Hampden separated evenly with blue and green sections. For the right to play St Mirren here next month … the action begins.

Other Matches

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

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

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle today. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final featuring these two rivals plus a European fixture the previous campaign when he distributed four sending-offs and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

The German coach: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the new Rangers manager has made it clear this week that he's accustomed to being involved in other major rivalries as a coach, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. As well, in the EFL Championship during the Steel City derby, I was involved in that as well. I recognize the importance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

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

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I think it is always great for a coach when you remain active for so many years in this industry and you are successful.

I'm only starting out of my career. I have substantial work ahead to reach that level but the good thing is we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and we'll discover what we can contribute through our squads in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience but I expect a big, big one on Sunday. To participate in such a match, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The stand-in manager has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match versus their rivals 25 years ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance could be very challenging, putting six past them against that side. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers spoke about it regularly. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our team, not just that season, but possibly for sustained development.

The anxiety for approximately three days beforehand, and then if you got the result, tremendous relief. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that it was relief more than anything else. Yet these represented superb matches genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for us. Every Old Firm match is a big game, though especially considering the circumstances of the recent days, possibly even months, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches in the dugouts today though there's a significant difference in Old Firm experience among them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion could have a major impact on the duration O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

The club might spend substantial compensation to lure Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt an even bigger gamble involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen an initial experience within British soccer. These represent risks in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

Starting Lineups

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 in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that overcame Falkirk during the week.

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 gets the nod over Max Aarons on the right side, with Mohamed Diomande coming in replacing the banned Connor Barron in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored instead of Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

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