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The players head out into the noise, Hampden split down the middle between blue and green. For the opportunity to play St Mirren here this December … here we go.

Other Matches

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

Turning to this match, approximately five minutes remain until kick-off at Hampden Park!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee this match. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture the previous campaign during which he issued four sending-offs and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Manager Insights

The German coach: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized recently that he's familiar with taking part in other major rivalries in his coaching career, at Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick took over, our subsequent fixture was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. As well, in the Championship in the Sheffield derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance to the supporters. This transcends ordinary football.

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

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I consider it consistently remarkable for a coach when you remain active for so many years in this industry and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to reach that level however the positive aspect we begin level, different generations and we'll discover what we can bring with our teams in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience though I anticipate an enormous event on Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. Success secures a final place, defeat means elimination. I feel all elements converge for a magnificent contest.

Rival Coach

The experienced boss: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week about his first meeting versus their rivals a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, putting six past them against those opponents. I would take an unattractive 1-0 win if we could get it. Some lads come up and say to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', and they weren't even born. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for our team, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The tension for nearly 72 hours beforehand, and then should you secure success, a great relief. And I feel that's precisely the legendary Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that it was relief more than anything else. But they were fantastic fixtures truly. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This represents an important match for us. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a big match for our squad. Any Celtic-Rangers game is a big game, but particularly given the circumstances of recent times, if not weeks, certainly.

Managerial Experience

Two new managers leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural 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 second spell as temporary Celtic manager persists, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

Celtic could pay substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They may attempt an even bigger gamble with Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen an initial experience in British football. These are all gambles in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This is debatable.

First XIs

Celtic (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 begins instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest also drops out from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk in midweek.

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 is selected over Max Aarons in the right flank position, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred to Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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