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The squads take the field amid the roar, Hampden Park separated evenly with blue and green sections. For the right to meet St Mirren here next month … here we go.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin provides live updates for West Ham vs Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain until kick-off at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game last season during which he issued four sending-offs and 12 yellows. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has made it clear in recent days that he's used to taking part in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall during Hansi Flick's appointment, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. Additionally, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance for the fans. This represents more than a simple match.

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

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 field and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have substantial work ahead to achieve similar status but the good thing is we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can contribute with our teams in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I have had some experience yet I foresee a big, big one during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing about his first meeting against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance could be very challenging, putting six past them versus that team. I would take an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Various individuals tell me and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for our team, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours prior to the match, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the legendary Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for our side. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, but particularly given the conditions of the past few days, if not weeks, definitely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches in the dugouts today yet there's a substantial disparity in rivalry knowledge between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

The outcome today could have a major impact regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

The club might spend five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take a larger risk involving Robbie Keane. The reigning champions may opt to give Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a first taste in British football. These are all gambles in their own way. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

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 instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the first team that overcame 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 gets the nod over Max Aarons on the right side, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

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