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Live Updates

The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park split down the middle with blue and green sections. To earn the chance to play St Mirren FC at this venue this December … here we go.

Other Matches

Additional games: John Brewin provides live updates for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

Turning to this match, approximately five minutes remain until kick-off at the national stadium!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this match. He also refereed the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a continental game in the last term where he showed four red cards and 12 yellows. Avoid challenging him.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized this week that he's familiar with being involved in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall during Hansi Flick's appointment, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It is always a booster when you triumph in such matches. As well, in England's second tier in the Steel derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means to the supporters. This is more than just a game.

The 36-year-old German has been praising the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I consider it consistently remarkable as a manager when you work so long in this business and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point though the encouraging factor we begin level, distinct coaching generations and we'll discover what we can contribute through our squads in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect a big, big one on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. You win, you go into the final, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for an outstanding match.

Counterpart Perspective

The Celtic manager: The temporary Celtic boss has recently been recalling about his first meeting versus their rivals 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that might be extremely difficult, scoring six goals against those opponents. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was a great game', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their grandfathers and fathers discussed it frequently. It became a really pivotal match for our club, not only during that campaign, but possibly for sustained development.

The nervousness for about 72 hours prior to the match, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I think that's what the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for our side. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, though especially considering the situation of recent times, if not weeks, certainly.

Managerial Experience

Two fresh managers on the sidelines this afternoon but there's a big gap in derby experience between them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

This match's conclusion may substantially affect on how long O'Neill's second spell as temporary Celtic manager continues, as Ewan Murray has considered.

Celtic could pay five million pounds in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They could take a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a first taste of British football. These constitute chances in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This is debatable.

First XIs

Celtic FC (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 starts instead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that defeated Falkirk in their recent match.

Rangers FC (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 in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard chosen instead of Mikey Moore in attack.

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