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The teams emerge amid the roar, Hampden split down the middle between blue and green. For the right to face St Mirren FC at this venue in December … it all kicks off.

Additional Fixtures

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

As for us, there's just over five minutes before the start at Hampden Park!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He also refereed the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture in the last term when he distributed four red cards and twelve cautions. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

The German coach: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the new Rangers manager has stated clearly recently that he's familiar with taking part in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick took over, our following match was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation when you triumph in such matches. Additionally, in England's second tier in the Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I recognize the importance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

The German manager has been complimenting Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I hold great admiration for such a managerial journey. I think it is always great in this profession when you remain active for so many years in this field and accomplish your objectives.

I'm merely commencing my professional journey. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, separate eras and let's see what we can demonstrate via our selections in this encounter.

I am very excited. I've accumulated certain experiences though I anticipate an enormous event during Sunday's match. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. Victory means reaching the final, a loss ends your participation. I feel all elements converge for a great, great game.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement could be very challenging, netting six times versus that team. I would take a scrappy single-goal triumph if we could get it. Some lads come up and inform me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', though they weren't alive then. They inform me their ancestors and parents discussed it frequently. It transformed into a crucial game for us, not only during that campaign, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I feel that's precisely the great Walter Smith often mentioned too, that relief outweighed other emotions. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for us. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for our side. Every Old Firm match is a big game, though especially considering the situation of the past few days, if not recent weeks, definitely.

Managerial Experience

Two new managers in the dugouts today but there's a big gap 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 could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's return as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The reigning champions might choose to offer Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity within British soccer. These are all gambles in different manners. More than O'Neill? This is arguable.

Starting Lineups

Celtic FC (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 begins ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest also drops out from the first team that beat 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 over Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Opening Context

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