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Live Updates

The teams emerge to a thunderous reception, Hampden separated evenly into blue and green. For the right to play St Mirren FC in this stadium this December … it all kicks off.

Additional Fixtures

More matches: John Brewin provides live updates for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the day's opening matches in the women's top division.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain until kick-off at Hampden!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee this match. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match last season when he distributed four red cards and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has stated clearly recently that he's familiar with participating in other important local clashes as a coach, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We won 4-0. It is always a booster if you win such a game. Furthermore, in England's second tier 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 been complimenting the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I hold great admiration for such a managerial journey. I consider it consistently remarkable for a coach when you work so long in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I'm only starting out of my career. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point however the positive aspect we begin level, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can demonstrate with our teams in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect a massive occasion during Sunday's match. To participate in such a match, the stakes are extremely high. You win, you go into the final, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for a great, great game.

Opposition Manager

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match with Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement could be very challenging, netting six times against those opponents. I would accept a scrappy single-goal triumph should we achieve it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', though they weren't alive then. They inform me their grandfathers and fathers discussed it frequently. It transformed into a crucial game for our club, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours prior to the match, and then if you got the result, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the great Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests really. 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 us. Any Celtic-Rangers game represents a major event, though especially considering the conditions of the recent days, if not recent weeks, definitely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers in the dugouts today but there's a big gap in rivalry knowledge among them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence on the duration O'Neill's second spell as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity within British soccer. These are all gambles in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This is debatable.

Team Selections

Celtic (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 instead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that overcame Falkirk in midweek.

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 gets the nod over Max Aarons on the right, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in attack.

Preamble

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