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The squads take the field amid the roar, Hampden Park separated evenly with blue and green sections. To earn the chance to play St Mirren here this December … the action begins.

Other Matches

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the initial games in the Women's Super League.

As for us, approximately five minutes remain until kick-off at Hampden!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He also refereed the 2024 cup final featuring these two rivals and a continental game in the last term during which he issued four dismissals and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has made it clear in recent days that he's familiar with taking part in other major rivalries in his coaching career, with Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick took over, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift when you triumph in such matches. Additionally, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means among the followers. This represents more than a simple match.

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

I have tremendous respect for such a coaching career. I think it is always great in this profession when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and you are successful.

I'm merely commencing my coaching path. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can contribute with our teams in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences yet I foresee a massive occasion during Sunday's match. To be involved in this fixture, the stakes are extremely high. Victory means reaching the final, defeat means elimination. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The temporary Celtic boss has been reflecting this week regarding his initial encounter against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, putting six past them against those opponents. I'd settle for an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Certain supporters approach and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They tell me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our club, not only during that campaign, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours prior to the match, and then if you got the result, tremendous relief. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures genuinely. 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 us. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, but particularly given the conditions of the past few days, if not recent weeks, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two different coaches leading their teams today but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience among them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his 28th such match.

The outcome today could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's second spell as temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a larger risk involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity in British football. These are all gambles in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This remains questionable.

First XIs

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 instead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest also drops out from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk in their recent match.

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 over Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas with Thelo Aasgaard favored to Mikey Moore in attack.

Match Preview

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