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Match Coverage

The teams emerge into the noise, Hampden divided in two into blue and green. For the opportunity to play St Mirren here in December … here we go.

Other Football

Other football: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the early kick-offs in the Women's Super League.

As for us, approximately five minutes remain before the game begins at the national stadium!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle today. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match last season during which he issued four sending-offs and 12 yellows. Avoid challenging him.

Coaching Perspectives

The German coach: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly this week that he's accustomed to taking part in other important local clashes as a coach, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember during Hansi Flick's appointment, our following match was at home against Dortmund. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation if you win such a game. As well, in the Championship in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means among the followers. This is more than just a game.

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

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I think it is always great as a manager when you remain active for so many years in this industry and achieve success.

I'm merely commencing my coaching path. I have substantial work ahead to reach that level however the positive aspect we begin level, different generations and let's see what we can contribute through our squads in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences yet I foresee a big, big one during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, 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

The Celtic manager: The Celtic interim manager has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match with Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that may prove quite arduous, scoring six goals versus that team. I would take an unattractive 1-0 win if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers discussed it frequently. It became a really pivotal match for our club, not only during that campaign, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and then should you secure success, tremendous relief. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. However these were magnificent contests truly. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for our team. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final encounter, it's an important game for our side. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, though especially considering the situation of the recent days, possibly even months, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge separating them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his 28th such match.

Today's result could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's second spell as temporary Celtic manager persists, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest £5m in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They might consider a larger risk involving Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity within British soccer. These constitute chances in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This is debatable.

Team Selections

Celtic (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 features instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest also drops out from the starting lineup that overcame Falkirk during the week.

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 is selected instead of Max Aarons on the right, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Match Preview

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