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Match Coverage

The teams emerge into the noise, Hampden separated evenly with blue and green sections. For the opportunity to face St Mirren in this stadium next month … it all kicks off.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin provides live updates for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the women's top division.

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 match. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a continental game in the last term when he distributed four sending-offs and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized this week that he's familiar with taking part in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We triumphed 4-0. It is always a booster when you triumph in such matches. Additionally, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I was involved in that as well. I recognize the importance among the followers. This represents more than a simple match.

The young coach has been praising Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I feel a big respect for such a coaching career. I consider it consistently remarkable for a coach when you remain active for so many years in this business and achieve success.

I am just at the beginning my coaching path. I have substantial work ahead to reach that level but the good thing is we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and we'll discover what we can contribute via our selections in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect a massive occasion during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. Victory means reaching the final, you lose, you're out. I feel all elements converge for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The stand-in manager has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Certainly, matching that achievement could be very challenging, putting six past them against those opponents. I would accept a scrappy single-goal triumph if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for our club, not merely in that term, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, a great relief. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This constitutes a significant fixture for us. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's an important game for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game constitutes a significant occasion, though especially considering the conditions of the recent days, possibly even months, definitely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers in the dugouts today yet there's a substantial disparity in Old Firm experience among them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion may substantially affect on the duration O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They could take an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a first taste within British soccer. These represent risks to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This is debatable.

Starting Lineups

Celtic FC (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 defeated Falkirk in midweek.

Rangers FC (3-4-3): Butland; Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Tavernier, Diomande, Raskin, Meghoma; Aasgaard, Chermiti, Danilo.

Substitutes: Kelly, Aarons, Fernández, Rothwell, Antman, Moore, Gassama, Curtis, Miovski.

James Tavernier gets the nod ahead of Max Aarons on the right, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

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