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Match Coverage

The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park split down the middle between blue and green. To earn the chance to face St Mirren FC at this venue next month … the action begins.

Additional Fixtures

More matches: 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 day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

Turning to this match, there's just over five minutes before the start at Hampden Park!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a continental game last season when he distributed four red cards and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

The Rangers manager: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized in recent days that he's familiar with being involved in other significant derbies during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern and Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember during Hansi Flick's appointment, our second game was at home against Dortmund. We triumphed 4-0. It is always a booster if you win such a game. As well, in the Championship in the Sheffield derby, I participated there too. I understand the significance for the fans. This represents more than a simple match.

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

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I'm only starting out of my career. There's much work remaining to reach that level however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, separate eras and let's see what we can demonstrate with our teams in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience but I expect an enormous event on Sunday. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. Victory means reaching the final, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has recently been recalling concerning his debut match against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, netting six times against those opponents. I'd settle for a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was a great game', and they weren't even born. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers discussed it frequently. It transformed into a crucial game for our team, not merely in that term, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's an important game for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game constitutes a significant occasion, however specifically because of the circumstances of the recent days, possibly even months, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches leading their teams today yet there's a substantial disparity in derby experience among them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

The outcome today might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The reigning champions 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 FC (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 starts preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is additionally excluded of the XI that defeated Falkirk in their recent match.

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 is selected ahead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard preferred to Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

Greetings and welcome to this Old Firm clash. It's got to be better {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus