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The squads take the field into the noise, Hampden separated evenly into blue and green. To earn the chance to play St Mirren at this venue in December … here we go.

Other Football

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham v Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

Regarding our coverage, we're only five minutes away until kick-off at the national stadium!

Referee Information

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

Dugout Views

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly this week that he's familiar with taking part in other important local clashes in his coaching career, at Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We secured a 4-0 victory. It is always a booster following success in these encounters. Furthermore, in the Championship during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

The young coach has been praising Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I consider it consistently remarkable as a manager when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I'm merely commencing of my career. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point though the encouraging factor we start at 0-0, separate eras and let's see what we can demonstrate with our teams in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect an enormous event during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, the stakes are extremely high. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I think everything is on for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

The Celtic manager: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter against Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, putting six past them against those opponents. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and inform me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their family members were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for our club, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours before, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I think that's what the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that comfort surpassed other feelings. Yet these represented superb matches genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This represents an important match for our club. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a big match for us. Each encounter between these rivals constitutes a significant occasion, though especially considering the situation of recent times, if not recent weeks, certainly.

Dugout History

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon yet there's a substantial disparity in Old Firm experience among them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his 28th such match.

Today's result could have a major impact regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as temporary Celtic manager continues, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

They could potentially invest five million pounds in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They may attempt a larger risk on Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen an initial experience in British football. These represent risks to varying degrees. Beyond O'Neill? This is debatable.

First XIs

Celtic (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 instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is additionally excluded of the XI that beat Falkirk during the week.

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 receives preference ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in the middle with Thelo Aasgaard favored to Mikey Moore in attack.

Opening Context

Good afternoon and welcome to this derby match. It ought to be superior {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus