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The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park split down the middle with blue and green sections. To earn the chance to face St Mirren FC here this December … here we go.

Additional Fixtures

Other football: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the WSL.

As for us, approximately five minutes remain before the game begins at Hampden Park!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh will referee this afternoon. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture in the last term during which he issued four red cards and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has made it clear recently that he's accustomed to participating in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift when you triumph in such matches. As well, in the Championship in the Steel derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance among the followers. This transcends ordinary football.

The young coach has been praising 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I hold great admiration for that type of coaching legacy. I believe it's always impressive for a coach when you work so long in this industry and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my coaching path. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status however the positive aspect we begin level, distinct coaching generations and we'll observe what we can bring through our squads in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a big, big one on Sunday. To participate in such a match, the stakes are extremely high. Success secures a final place, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for a great, great game.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The temporary Celtic boss has recently been recalling about his first meeting with Rangers 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, putting six past them against those opponents. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win if we could get it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was a great game', though they weren't alive then. They inform me their family members were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for our club, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The tension for nearly 72 hours beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous relief. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that it was relief more than anything else. However these were magnificent contests truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for us. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, but particularly given the circumstances of recent times, if not weeks, definitely.

Managerial Experience

Two different coaches in the dugouts today though there's a significant difference in derby experience between them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge of his 28th.

This match's conclusion could have a major impact regarding the tenure O'Neill's second spell as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They might consider a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a first taste in British football. These represent risks in their own way. Even 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 instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that beat 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 gets the nod instead of Max Aarons on the right, with Mohamed Diomande coming in replacing the banned Connor Barron in central areas with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

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