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Match Coverage

The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park split down the middle into blue and green. For the opportunity to face St Mirren FC in this stadium in December … here we go.

Other Football

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the initial games in the Women's Super League.

Regarding our coverage, there's just over five minutes before the game begins at Hampden!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this match. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match in the last term when he distributed four dismissals and 12 yellows. Avoid challenging him.

Coaching Perspectives

The German coach: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the fresh-faced gaffer has stated clearly this week that he's accustomed to being involved in other major rivalries as a coach, with Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember during Hansi Flick's appointment, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. Furthermore, in the Championship in the Steel derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance to the supporters. This represents more than a simple match.

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

I have tremendous respect for that type of coaching legacy. I think it is always great as a manager when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I'm merely commencing my professional journey. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point though the encouraging factor we commence evenly matched, separate eras and we'll discover what we can contribute via our selections in this encounter.

I am very excited. I have had some experience yet I foresee an enormous event this Sunday. To participate in such a match, everything is at stake. Victory means reaching the final, you lose, you're out. I feel all elements converge for a magnificent contest.

Opposition Manager

The experienced boss: The stand-in manager has been reflecting this week regarding his initial encounter with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that may prove quite arduous, putting six past them against those opponents. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory if we could get it. Certain supporters approach and mention to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', and they weren't even born. They tell me their family members were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our club, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The nervousness for about 72 hours prior to the match, and then should you secure success, tremendous relief. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that comfort surpassed other feelings. But they were fantastic fixtures really. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for our side. Each encounter between these rivals constitutes a significant occasion, however specifically because of the circumstances of the past few days, possibly even months, definitely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in derby experience between them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

Today's result might significantly influence on the duration O'Neill's return as temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

The club might spend substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a larger risk involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge an initial experience within British soccer. These represent risks in their own way. 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.

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

Marcelo Sarrachi starts ahead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is additionally excluded of the XI that beat Falkirk in their recent match.

Rangers FC (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 is selected ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas with Thelo Aasgaard favored to Mikey Moore in attack.

Match Preview

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