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The teams emerge to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park divided in two into blue and green. For the right to face St Mirren FC here this December … here we go.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the women's top division.

As for us, we're only five minutes away until kick-off at Hampden Park!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He also refereed the 2024 Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a Europa League match the previous campaign where he showed four dismissals and 12 yellows. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

The German coach: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly in recent days that he's used to taking part in other significant derbies as a coach, with Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match was at home against Dortmund. We triumphed 4-0. It is always a booster when you triumph in such matches. Additionally, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance among the followers. This is more than just a game.

The 36-year-old German has also been lauding Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I have tremendous respect for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive as a manager when you remain active for so many years in this field and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my coaching path. I have a lot of work to do to achieve similar status however the positive aspect we commence evenly matched, separate eras and we'll discover what we can demonstrate through our squads in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect a massive occasion during Sunday's match. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I think everything is on for an outstanding match.

Counterpart Perspective

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week about his first meeting against Rangers 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Now, repeating that performance could be very challenging, netting six times against those opponents. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their ancestors and parents spoke about it regularly. It transformed into a crucial game for our club, not merely in that term, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours beforehand, and then if you got the result, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the legendary Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. However these were magnificent contests truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for our club. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final encounter, it's an important game for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, but particularly given the circumstances of recent times, if not weeks, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two different coaches in the dugouts today yet there's a substantial disparity in Old Firm experience between them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion may substantially affect on how long O'Neill's second spell as (interim, for now) Celtic boss persists, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

They could potentially invest £5m in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity in British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. Beyond O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Starting Lineups

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 in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk during the week.

Rangers (3-4-3): Butland; Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Tavernier, Diomande, Raskin, Meghoma; Aasgaard, Chermiti, Danilo.

Subs: Kelly, Aarons, Fernández, Rothwell, Antman, Moore, Gassama, Curtis, Miovski.

James Tavernier is selected ahead of Max Aarons on the right, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Preamble

Good afternoon and welcome to this derby match. It ought to be superior {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus