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The teams emerge into the noise, Hampden divided in two into blue and green. To earn the chance to play St Mirren FC here next month … the action begins.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the women's top division.

Turning to this match, there's just over five minutes before the game begins at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee this match. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final featuring these two rivals plus a European fixture in the last term where he showed four red cards and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized this week that he's used to being involved in other major rivalries in his coaching career, at Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. Additionally, in the Championship during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means for the fans. This transcends ordinary football.

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

I feel a big respect for that type of coaching legacy. I think it is always great for a coach when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I'm merely commencing my coaching path. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, different generations and we'll observe what we can bring through our squads in this fixture.

I'm tremendously excited. I have had some experience but I expect a big, big one this Sunday. To participate in such a match, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, defeat means elimination. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

The experienced boss: The stand-in manager has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter against Rangers 25 years ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance could be very challenging, netting six times against that side. I would take a scrappy single-goal triumph if we could get it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They tell me their family members discussed it frequently. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our team, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith often mentioned too, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures really. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This represents an important match for our team. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a last-four clash, it's an important game for our squad. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, though especially considering the conditions of recent times, if not recent weeks, certainly.

Managerial Experience

Two different coaches in the dugouts today though there's a significant difference in derby experience among them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge of his 28th.

The outcome today might significantly influence on the duration O'Neill's return as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt an even bigger gamble involving Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a first taste in British football. These constitute chances in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This remains questionable.

First XIs

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 features preferred to Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk in midweek.

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 receives preference ahead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, featuring Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in the middle with Thelo Aasgaard favored instead of Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Preamble

Greetings and welcome to the Old Firm. It should be improved {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus