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The teams emerge to a thunderous reception, Hampden separated evenly with blue and green sections. For the right to play St Mirren at this venue this December … here we go.

Other Matches

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham vs Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the WSL.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain before the start at Hampden Park!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match in the last term when he distributed four red cards and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has made it clear this week that he's familiar with being involved in other major rivalries as a coach, with Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick took over, our following match was versus Dortmund at home. We secured a 4-0 victory. It is always a booster if you win such a game. As well, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance among the followers. This is more than just a game.

The young coach has been praising Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I feel a big respect for such a coaching career. I think it is always great as a manager when you sustain your career over decades in this field and you are successful.

I'm merely commencing my coaching path. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status but the good thing is we begin level, distinct coaching generations and we'll discover what we can bring via our selections in this encounter.

I am very excited. I've accumulated certain experiences yet I foresee a massive occasion during Sunday's match. To participate in such a match, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Counterpart Perspective

The Celtic manager: The stand-in manager has been reflecting this week regarding his initial encounter against Rangers 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Now, repeating that performance could be very challenging, netting six times versus that team. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Certain supporters approach and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They tell me their family members were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for us, not just that season, but possibly for sustained development.

The nervousness for about 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I think that's what the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests really. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This constitutes a significant fixture for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's an important game for us. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, but particularly given the circumstances of the recent days, if not weeks, definitely.

Managerial Experience

Two fresh managers in the dugouts today but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience among them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

Today's result could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's return as (interim, for now) Celtic boss continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They may attempt an even bigger gamble involving Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity in British football. These constitute chances in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This is debatable.

Team Selections

Celtic FC (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 begins instead 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.

Reserves: Kelly, Aarons, Fernández, Rothwell, Antman, Moore, Gassama, Curtis, Miovski.

James Tavernier is selected over Max Aarons on the right side, featuring Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard preferred to Mikey Moore in attack.

Opening Context

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