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The squads take the field to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park split down the middle with blue and green sections. For the opportunity to play St Mirren here this December … the action begins.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin provides live updates for West Ham vs Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the initial games in the women's top division.

Turning to this match, we're only five minutes away before the game begins at the national stadium!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh will referee this match. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match last season where he showed four red cards and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Manager Insights

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

I recollect during Hansi Flick's appointment, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift when you triumph in such matches. As well, in the Championship in the Steel derby, I participated there too. I understand the significance for the fans. This transcends ordinary football.

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

I feel a big respect for such a managerial journey. I consider it consistently remarkable for a coach when you work so long in this business and you are successful.

I'm only starting out of my career. I have substantial work ahead to reach that level however the positive aspect we commence evenly matched, different generations and we'll discover what we can bring with our teams in this game.

I am very excited. I have had some experience though I anticipate a big, big one this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. Victory means reaching the final, a loss ends your participation. I believe all factors align for a great, great game.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter against Rangers two and a half decades past, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance might be extremely difficult, scoring six goals versus that team. I would accept a scrappy single-goal triumph should we achieve it. Various individuals tell me and inform me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They relate to me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for our team, not only during that campaign, but probably for continuing on.

The anxiety for approximately three days beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that it was relief more than anything else. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This is a big game for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for us. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, but particularly given the circumstances of the past few days, if not recent weeks, certainly.

Dugout History

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in derby experience separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his twenty-eighth.

This match's conclusion could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's comeback as temporary Celtic manager continues, as Ewan Murray has considered.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a more significant chance on Robbie Keane. The reigning champions may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen an initial experience of British football. These are all gambles in their own way. Even 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 starts preferred to Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that beat 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 is selected over Max Aarons in the right flank position, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas with Thelo Aasgaard favored to Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Opening Context

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