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The squads take the field into the noise, Hampden Park divided in two with blue and green sections. To earn the chance to face St Mirren FC here in December … the action begins.

Other Football

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

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

Match Officials

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle today. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match the previous campaign when he distributed four sending-offs and twelve cautions. Avoid challenging him.

Coaching Perspectives

The German coach: While this is his first Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has made it clear recently that he's used to participating in other important local clashes in his coaching career, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall during Hansi Flick's appointment, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. As well, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means among the followers. This is more than just a game.

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

I feel a big respect for that type of coaching legacy. I think it is always great for a coach when you work so long in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status though the encouraging factor we start at 0-0, separate eras and we'll discover what we can bring via our selections in this encounter.

I am very excited. I have had some experience yet I foresee a big, big one this Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. Victory means reaching the final, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

The Celtic manager: The Celtic interim manager has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter versus their rivals 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, netting six times against that side. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win if we could get it. Some lads come up and inform me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', though they weren't alive then. They tell me their family members discussed it frequently. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our team, not just that season, but possibly for sustained development.

The anxiety for approximately three days before, and then if you got the result, significant comfort. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests really. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This is a big game for us. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's a big match for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, however specifically because of the conditions of the recent days, if not recent weeks, absolutely.

Managerial Experience

Two fresh managers leading their teams today but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience among them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his twenty-eighth.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence on the duration O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss continues, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

The club might spend five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge an initial experience in British football. These constitute chances to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

Starting Lineups

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 features preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the first team that defeated Falkirk during the week.

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 receives preference over Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in taking Connor Barron's suspended place in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Opening Context

Greetings and welcome to this derby match. It should be improved {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus