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The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden separated evenly between blue and green. For the right to play St Mirren in this stadium this December … it all kicks off.

Additional Fixtures

More matches: John Brewin provides live updates for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the initial games in the Women's Super League.

As for us, there's just over five minutes before the start at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee this match. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a continental game the previous campaign where he showed four dismissals and 12 yellows. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the recently appointed boss has made it clear this week that he's familiar with being involved in other important local clashes in his coaching career, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match was at home against Dortmund. We triumphed 4-0. It is always a booster if you win such a game. Additionally, in the Championship in the Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I know what it means among the followers. This is more than just a game.

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

I have tremendous respect for that type of coaching legacy. I believe it's always impressive for a coach when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point however the positive aspect we begin level, separate eras and we'll observe what we can bring with our teams in this game.

I am very excited. I've gained some experience yet I foresee 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 feel all elements converge for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

The experienced boss: The stand-in manager has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter versus their rivals two and a half decades past, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Certainly, matching that achievement could be very challenging, putting six past them against those opponents. I'd settle for a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Some lads come up and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their family members were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our team, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The anxiety for approximately three days beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the great Walter Smith often mentioned too, that relief outweighed other emotions. Yet these represented superb matches genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This represents an important match for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's an important game for our side. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, but particularly given the conditions of the recent days, if not recent weeks, certainly.

Managerial Experience

Two different coaches leading their teams today yet there's a substantial disparity in Old Firm experience among them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge of his 28th.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence on how long O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach persists, as Ewan Murray has considered.

The club might spend five million pounds in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They could take a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity within British soccer. These constitute chances to varying degrees. 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.

Subs: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Osmand, McCowan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.

Marcelo Sarrachi begins ahead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest also drops out from the starting lineup that defeated Falkirk in their recent match.

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 instead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in attack.

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