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The players head out into the noise, Hampden split down the middle between blue and green. For the opportunity to play St Mirren at this venue in December … it all kicks off.

Additional Fixtures

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham v Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

As for us, we're only five minutes away until kick-off at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee today. He previously officiated the 2024 Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture the previous campaign during which he issued 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 stated clearly this week that he's used to participating in other important local clashes in his coaching career, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. Additionally, in the Championship in the Steel derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance among the followers. This transcends ordinary football.

The German manager has also been lauding the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I feel a big respect for that type of coaching legacy. I believe it's always impressive as a manager when you sustain your career over decades in this business and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and we'll observe what we can contribute via our selections in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I've gained some experience yet I foresee a big, big one on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. Victory means reaching the final, a loss ends your participation. I feel all elements converge for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match versus their rivals a quarter-century ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance could be very challenging, scoring six goals against that side. I would take a scrappy single-goal triumph should we achieve it. Certain supporters approach and mention to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for our club, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The anxiety for approximately three days prior to the match, and subsequently if you achieved victory, a great relief. And I feel that's precisely the great Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our club. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a last-four clash, it's an important game for us. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, though especially considering the conditions of recent times, possibly even months, definitely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers on the sidelines this afternoon yet there's a substantial disparity in Old Firm experience between them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge of his 28th.

The outcome today might significantly influence on how long O'Neill's return as temporary Celtic manager continues, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The reigning champions might choose to offer Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste of British football. These constitute chances to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

First XIs

Celtic (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Sarrachi; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Maeda, Kenny, Tounekti.

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

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

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

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

James Tavernier receives preference ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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