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Match Coverage

The players head out into the noise, Hampden Park separated evenly into blue and green. For the opportunity to play St Mirren FC here this December … here we go.

Additional Fixtures

More matches: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the initial games in the women's top division.

Regarding our coverage, we're only five minutes away before the game begins at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee this match. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a continental game last season during which he issued four red cards and twelve cautions. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

The German coach: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has emphasized in recent days that he's accustomed to being involved in other significant derbies during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We secured a 4-0 victory. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. Furthermore, in the Championship during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance among the followers. This transcends ordinary football.

The 36-year-old German has also been lauding the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I feel a big respect for such a managerial journey. I think it is always great for a coach when you work so long in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I am just at the beginning of my career. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, different generations and we'll discover what we can contribute through our squads in this encounter.

I am very excited. I have had some experience yet I foresee a massive occasion this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, the stakes are extremely high. Success secures a final place, defeat means elimination. I feel all elements converge for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The stand-in manager has this week been reminiscing about his first meeting with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Certainly, matching that achievement could be very challenging, netting six times versus that team. I'd settle for a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Certain supporters approach 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 transformed into a crucial game for us, not merely in that term, but probably for continuing on.

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

This represents an important match for our team. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a crucial contest for us. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, however specifically because of the situation of the recent days, if not weeks, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two fresh managers leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in derby experience separating them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his twenty-eighth.

The outcome today could have a major impact on the duration O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

Celtic could pay substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity within British soccer. These constitute chances to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Starting Lineups

Celtic FC (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 ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that defeated Falkirk during the week.

Rangers FC (3-4-3): Butland; Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Tavernier, Diomande, Raskin, Meghoma; Aasgaard, Chermiti, Danilo.

Subs: Kelly, Aarons, Fernández, Rothwell, Antman, Moore, Gassama, Curtis, Miovski.

James Tavernier receives preference ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, with Mohamed Diomande coming in taking Connor Barron's suspended place in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

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