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The teams emerge into the noise, Hampden Park separated evenly between blue and green. For the opportunity to play St Mirren at this venue next month … it all kicks off.

Additional Fixtures

Additional games: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham v Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the initial games in the WSL.

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

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh takes charge this match. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game last season during which he issued four dismissals and 12 yellows. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the fresh-faced gaffer has emphasized recently that he's used to being involved in other significant derbies as a coach, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift when you triumph in such matches. As well, in the EFL Championship during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I know what it means among the followers. This transcends ordinary football.

The young coach has been complimenting the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I consider it consistently remarkable in this profession when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and achieve success.

I'm merely commencing my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to reach that level though the encouraging factor we commence evenly matched, distinct coaching generations and we'll observe what we can contribute with our teams in this encounter.

I'm tremendously excited. I have had some experience yet I foresee an enormous event this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. Success secures a final place, you lose, you're out. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Rival Coach

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

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, putting six past them versus that team. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win if we managed to secure it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They relate to me their ancestors and parents discussed it frequently. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our club, not merely in that term, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours prior to the match, and then if you got the result, significant comfort. And I think that's what the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This is a big game for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a crucial contest for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game is a big game, though especially considering the conditions of recent times, possibly even months, definitely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches on the sidelines this afternoon yet there's a substantial disparity in rivalry knowledge separating them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's second spell as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen an initial experience within British soccer. These represent risks to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This is arguable.

First XIs

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 features ahead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that overcame Falkirk in midweek.

Rangers (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 is selected ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard chosen to 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