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Match Coverage

The teams emerge amid the roar, Hampden divided in two with blue and green sections. For the right to play St Mirren FC in this stadium in December … the action begins.

Additional Fixtures

Other football: John Brewin provides live updates 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.

Regarding our coverage, we're only five minutes away before the start at the national stadium!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh will referee today. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture the previous campaign during which he issued four sending-offs and a dozen bookings. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

The German coach: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly in recent days that he's used to taking part in other major rivalries in his coaching career, at Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. As well, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means to the supporters. This is more than just a game.

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

I feel a big respect for that type of coaching legacy. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you sustain your career over decades in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I am just at the beginning my coaching path. I have substantial work ahead to achieve similar status however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, different generations and let's see what we can demonstrate through our squads in this encounter.

I'm tremendously excited. I've accumulated certain experiences yet I foresee an enormous event this Sunday. To be part of such a game, it's all or nothing. Victory means reaching the final, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match with Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement could be very challenging, netting six times against those opponents. I'd settle for an unattractive 1-0 win if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was a great game', and they weren't even born. They inform me their family members were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The anxiety for approximately three days beforehand, and then should you secure success, significant comfort. And I think that's what the great Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that comfort surpassed other feelings. Yet these represented superb matches genuinely. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This represents an important match for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a big match for us. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, though especially considering the conditions of the recent days, possibly even months, definitely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers leading their teams today but there's a big gap in rivalry knowledge separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

The outcome today might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions may opt to give Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a first taste within British soccer. These represent risks to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This is debatable.

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 on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that overcame 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 over Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard chosen to Mikey Moore in attack.

Preamble

Hello and welcome to the Old Firm. It's got to be better {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus