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Match Coverage

The teams emerge into the noise, Hampden split down the middle with blue and green sections. For the right to face St Mirren at this venue in December … here we go.

Other Matches

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle 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 before the start at Hampden Park!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle today. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture the previous campaign where he showed four sending-offs and twelve cautions. Steer clear of confrontation.

Coaching Perspectives

The German coach: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the fresh-faced gaffer has stated clearly recently that he's used to taking part in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I can remember during Hansi Flick's appointment, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It is always a booster if you win such a game. Additionally, in the Championship in the Steel derby, I participated there too. I understand the significance for the fans. This transcends ordinary football.

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

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I think it is always great for a coach when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I am just at the beginning of my career. There's much work remaining 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 have had some experience though I anticipate a big, big one this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, the stakes are extremely high. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has been reflecting this week about his first meeting with Rangers two and a half decades past, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that may prove quite arduous, netting six times against those opponents. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Certain supporters approach and mention to me: 'That was a great game', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not merely in that term, but probably for continuing on.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and then should you secure success, a great relief. And I feel that's precisely the legendary Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game is a big game, however specifically because of the conditions of the recent days, if not recent weeks, definitely.

Dugout History

Two different coaches in the dugouts today though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

Today's result could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's return as temporary Celtic manager continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend £5m in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge an initial experience in British football. These constitute chances to varying degrees. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

First XIs

Celtic (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 preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that overcame Falkirk in midweek.

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 receives preference instead of Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Match Preview

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