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The squads take the field into the noise, Hampden divided in two between blue and green. For the opportunity to face St Mirren FC here next month … the action begins.

Other Football

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the WSL.

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

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle today. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match in the last term when he distributed four dismissals and a dozen bookings. Avoid challenging him.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the recently appointed boss has made it clear in recent days that he's used to being involved in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It is always a booster when you triumph in such matches. Furthermore, in England's second tier in the Steel derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means to the supporters. This is more than just a game.

The 36-year-old German has been complimenting 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. 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 only starting out my professional journey. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point but the good thing is we begin level, distinct coaching generations and we'll observe what we can bring through our squads in this fixture.

I am very excited. I have had some experience yet I foresee an enormous event this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. Victory means reaching the final, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for a great, great game.

Counterpart Perspective

Martin O'Neill: The stand-in manager has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter against Rangers 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, netting six times against those opponents. I would accept a scrappy single-goal triumph should we achieve it. Some lads come up and say to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', and they weren't even born. They tell me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The anxiety for approximately three days before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the great Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. But they were fantastic fixtures genuinely. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This is a big game for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's an important game for our side. Each encounter between these rivals constitutes a significant occasion, but particularly given the conditions of recent times, if not weeks, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two fresh managers in the dugouts today though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence on how long O'Neill's second spell as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

They could potentially invest £5m in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They may attempt a larger risk involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste within British soccer. These are all gambles in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Starting Lineups

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 starts ahead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest also drops out from the first team that defeated Falkirk during the week.

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

Substitutes: 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 central areas and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in attack.

Preamble

Greetings and welcome to this derby match. It's got to be better {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus