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The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park split down the middle into blue and green. To earn the chance to face St Mirren here this December … the action begins.

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Additional games: John Brewin provides live updates for West Ham v Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the early kick-offs in the women's top division.

Turning to this match, we're only five minutes away before the game begins at Hampden Park!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh takes charge this match. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals plus a European fixture the previous campaign when he distributed four red cards and a dozen bookings. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the fresh-faced gaffer has made it clear in recent days that he's used to being involved in other important local clashes as a coach, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield 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 always provides a lift when you triumph in such matches. Furthermore, in the EFL Championship in the Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I recognize the importance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

The young coach has been complimenting 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I hold great admiration for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive as a manager when you work so long in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I am just at the beginning my professional journey. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status however the positive aspect we begin level, distinct coaching generations and we'll observe what we can demonstrate with our teams in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience but I expect an enormous event on 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 think everything is on for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week about his first meeting with Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, scoring six goals against that side. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory if we could get it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They inform me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for us, not only during that campaign, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours prior to the match, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous relief. And I feel that's precisely the great Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. But they were fantastic fixtures really. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for us. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, but particularly given the conditions of the recent days, possibly even months, definitely.

Dugout History

Two different coaches leading their teams today yet there's a substantial disparity in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

The outcome today may substantially affect regarding the tenure O'Neill's comeback as temporary Celtic manager persists, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest five million pounds in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They may attempt an even bigger gamble with Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity within British soccer. These represent risks to varying degrees. Beyond O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Team Selections

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 ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that beat Falkirk during the week.

Rangers FC (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 instead of Max Aarons on the right side, featuring Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard preferred instead of Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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