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The teams emerge into the noise, Hampden separated evenly between blue and green. To earn the chance to face St Mirren in this stadium in December … the action begins.

Other Matches

More matches: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the initial games in the Women's Super League.

As for us, approximately five minutes remain before the game begins at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this afternoon. He was also the referee for last year's Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a continental game last season where he showed four dismissals and twelve cautions. Avoid challenging him.

Dugout Views

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

I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It is always a booster if you win such a game. As well, in the Championship during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I understand the significance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

The German manager has also been lauding Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I hold great admiration for such a managerial journey. I think it is always great in this profession when you work so long in this field and accomplish your objectives.

I'm only starting out my coaching path. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status but the good thing is we begin level, separate eras and we'll observe what we can bring through our squads in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience yet I foresee an enormous event this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, the stakes are extremely high. Victory means reaching the final, a loss ends your participation. I feel all elements converge for a magnificent contest.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter against Rangers 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that may prove quite arduous, netting six times against those opponents. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers spoke about it regularly. It transformed into a crucial game for our team, not only during that campaign, but possibly for sustained development.

The anxiety for approximately three days beforehand, and then should you secure success, tremendous relief. And I think that's what the great Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This represents an important match for our club. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game represents a major event, however specifically because of the conditions of recent times, possibly even months, absolutely.

Managerial Experience

Two different coaches on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in derby experience separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his twenty-eighth.

This match's conclusion could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's comeback as temporary Celtic manager persists, as Ewan Murray has considered.

Celtic could pay five million pounds in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a first taste within British soccer. These represent risks in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

Team Selections

Celtic (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 starts instead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is also omitted from the starting lineup that defeated Falkirk during the week.

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 ahead of Max Aarons on the right, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Preamble

Greetings and welcome to the Old Firm. It should be improved {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus