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The squads take the field to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park separated evenly between blue and green. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren FC here next month … here we go.

Other Football

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the initial games in the women's top division.

As for us, we're only five minutes away until kick-off at the national stadium!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture last season during which he issued four dismissals and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has stated clearly this week that he's accustomed to being involved in other major rivalries as a coach, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game was at home against Dortmund. We triumphed 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. As well, in the EFL Championship in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I understand the significance to the supporters. This transcends ordinary football.

The young coach has been praising 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I have tremendous respect for such a coaching career. I consider it consistently remarkable in this profession when you remain active for so many years in this business and you are successful.

I am just at the beginning of my career. There's much work remaining to reach that level but the good thing is we commence evenly matched, different generations and let's see what we can contribute with our teams in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I've gained some experience but I expect a massive occasion on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, you lose, you're out. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

Martin O'Neill: The stand-in 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, putting six past them versus that team. I would take an unattractive 1-0 win if we could get it. Certain supporters approach and mention to me: 'That was a great game', and they weren't even born. They tell me their family members were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for our club, not just that season, 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 used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures truly. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a big match for our side. Every Old Firm match constitutes a significant occasion, however specifically because of the situation of the recent days, if not weeks, definitely.

Managerial Experience

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon yet there's a substantial disparity in derby experience separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his 28th such match.

Today's result could have a major impact regarding the tenure O'Neill's second spell as temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They might consider a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The title holders might choose to offer Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity of British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

First XIs

Celtic (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 ahead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest also drops out of the XI that overcame Falkirk in midweek.

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 is selected instead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, featuring Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard preferred instead of Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

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