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The players head out into the noise, Hampden separated evenly into blue and green. To earn the chance to play St Mirren here in December … the action begins.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

Turning to this match, approximately five minutes remain before the start at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He previously officiated the 2024 Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match last season during which he issued four red cards and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Dugout Views

Danny Röhl: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has emphasized this week that he's familiar with participating in other important local clashes as a coach, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We secured a 4-0 victory. It consistently offers motivation if you win such a game. As well, in the EFL Championship in the Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I understand the significance for the fans. 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 that type of coaching legacy. I think it is always great as a manager when you remain active for so many years in this industry and achieve success.

I'm only starting out of my career. I have substantial work ahead to achieve similar status but the good thing is we begin level, separate eras and let's see what we can bring via our selections in this encounter.

I am very excited. I've accumulated certain experiences though I anticipate an enormous event during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has this week been reminiscing about his first meeting with Rangers 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement might be extremely difficult, netting six times against that side. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Certain supporters approach and say to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', and they weren't even born. They relate to me their grandfathers and fathers discussed it frequently. It became a really pivotal match for us, not just that season, but possibly for sustained development.

The nervousness for about 72 hours prior to the match, and then should you secure success, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests truly. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This is a big game for our club. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a last-four clash, it's an important game for our squad. Every Old Firm match is a big game, but particularly given the situation of the recent days, possibly even months, definitely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches in the dugouts today though there's a significant difference in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion could have a major impact regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

The club might spend substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They might consider a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity of British football. These constitute chances to varying degrees. Beyond O'Neill? This is debatable.

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 starts ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted from the starting lineup that overcame Falkirk in their recent match.

Rangers (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 gets the nod instead of Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard chosen instead of Mikey Moore in attack.

Match Preview

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