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The squads take the field to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park divided in two into blue and green. For the opportunity to face St Mirren FC at this venue this December … here we go.

Additional Fixtures

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

Regarding our coverage, there's just over five minutes before the start at Hampden Park!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He also refereed the 2024 cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game the previous campaign during which he issued four sending-offs and a dozen bookings. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

Danny Röhl: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized recently that he's accustomed to being involved in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It is always a booster following success in these encounters. As well, in the EFL Championship in the Sheffield derby, I was involved in that as well. I recognize the importance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

The 36-year-old German has been complimenting 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I hold great admiration for such a managerial journey. 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 my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to reach that level however the positive aspect we begin level, different generations and let's see what we can bring with our teams in this game.

I am very excited. I have had some experience though I anticipate a massive occasion on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I believe all factors align for a magnificent contest.

Rival Coach

The Celtic manager: The stand-in manager has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, netting six times against those opponents. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was a great game', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for us, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The anxiety for approximately three days prior to the match, and then should you secure success, tremendous relief. And I think that's what the great Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that comfort surpassed other feelings. Yet these represented superb matches really. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This represents an important match for our club. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a big match for our squad. Any Celtic-Rangers game represents a major event, but particularly given the conditions of the past few days, if not weeks, absolutely.

Managerial Experience

Two fresh managers leading their teams today but there's a big gap in rivalry knowledge among them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as Rangers manager whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his twenty-eighth.

The outcome today could have a major impact on the duration O'Neill's return as temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The reigning champions may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen an initial experience of British football. These represent risks in different manners. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

Starting Lineups

Celtic (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 ahead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that defeated Falkirk in their recent match.

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 on the right, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

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