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Match Coverage

The squads take the field amid the roar, Hampden divided in two between blue and green. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren FC here next month … it all kicks off.

Additional Fixtures

Other football: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the early kick-offs in the Women's Super League.

Turning to this match, there's just over five minutes before the start at Hampden!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this match. He was also the referee for last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game in the last term during which he issued four sending-offs and twelve cautions. Steer clear of confrontation.

Manager Insights

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has stated clearly this week that he's familiar with taking part in other significant derbies during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick took over, our subsequent fixture was versus Dortmund at home. We secured a 4-0 victory. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. As well, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance among the followers. This is more than just a game.

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

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive for a coach when you remain active for so many years in this industry and achieve success.

I'm merely commencing my coaching path. I have substantial work ahead to reach that level however the positive aspect we begin level, different generations and we'll observe what we can contribute via our selections in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience yet I foresee a massive occasion this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. Victory means reaching the final, a loss ends your participation. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week regarding his initial encounter versus their rivals 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Now, repeating that performance might be extremely difficult, netting six times against those opponents. I would accept a scrappy single-goal triumph if we could get it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers discussed it frequently. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our team, not only during that campaign, but possibly for sustained development.

The anxiety for approximately three days prior to the match, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith often mentioned too, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures really. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This constitutes a significant fixture for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals constitutes a significant occasion, though especially considering the situation of the recent days, if not recent weeks, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two new managers leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in derby experience separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his 28th such match.

Today's result might significantly influence on the duration O'Neill's second spell as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They might consider a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a first taste within British soccer. These represent risks to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This is arguable.

Team Selections

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 features instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest also drops out of the XI that overcame Falkirk during the week.

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 gets the nod over Max Aarons on the right side, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard preferred to Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

Good afternoon and welcome to this derby match. It should be improved {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus