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The teams emerge to a thunderous reception, Hampden separated evenly with blue and green sections. For the opportunity to play St Mirren FC at this venue in December … here we go.

Other Matches

Other football: 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 day's opening matches in the WSL.

Turning to this match, there's just over five minutes until kick-off at the national stadium!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh will referee today. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final featuring these two rivals and a continental game last season when he distributed four dismissals and 12 yellows. Avoid challenging him.

Coaching Perspectives

The German coach: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has emphasized this week that he's familiar with participating in other major rivalries in his coaching career, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall during Hansi Flick's appointment, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We triumphed 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. As well, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance to the supporters. This transcends ordinary football.

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

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I consider it consistently remarkable in this profession when you remain active for so many years in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I am just at the beginning my professional journey. I have substantial work ahead to reach that level though the encouraging factor we commence evenly matched, separate eras and let's see what we can bring through our squads in this game.

I am very excited. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect an enormous event on Sunday. To be part of such a game, the stakes are extremely high. Success secures a final place, a loss ends your participation. I believe all factors align for a great, great game.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The stand-in manager has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match with Rangers 25 years ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Certainly, matching that achievement might be extremely difficult, putting six past them against that side. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and mention to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their family members were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for us, not merely in that term, but probably for continuing on.

The anxiety for approximately three days beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests really. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This represents an important match for us. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for our squad. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, however specifically because of the situation of the past few days, possibly even months, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two different coaches leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as temporary Celtic manager continues, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The reigning champions may opt to give Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity of British football. These are all gambles in their own way. More than O'Neill? This is debatable.

Team Selections

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 ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest also drops out from the starting lineup that overcame Falkirk in midweek.

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 instead of Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred to Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

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