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Match Coverage

The players head out into the noise, Hampden split down the middle with blue and green sections. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren FC at this venue this December … here we go.

Other Football

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

As for us, approximately five minutes remain before the game begins at Hampden!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this match. He previously officiated the 2024 Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game in the last term when he distributed four red cards and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the new Rangers manager has made it clear in recent days that he's used to taking part in other significant derbies during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I can remember during Hansi Flick's appointment, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We secured a 4-0 victory. It consistently offers motivation when you triumph in such matches. Furthermore, in England's second tier in the Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I recognize the importance 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 hold great admiration for such a managerial journey. I consider it consistently remarkable in this profession when you work so long in this field and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point but the good thing is we start at 0-0, different generations and we'll discover what we can contribute via our selections in this encounter.

I'm tremendously excited. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect a massive occasion this Sunday. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. Victory means reaching the final, defeat means elimination. I feel all elements converge for an outstanding match.

Counterpart Perspective

The Celtic manager: The stand-in manager has recently been recalling about his first meeting against Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, putting six past them versus that team. I would take a scrappy single-goal triumph if we managed to secure it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for us, not merely in that term, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, a great relief. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. However these were magnificent contests really. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This represents an important match for our club. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for us. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, but particularly given the situation of the recent days, if not recent weeks, definitely.

Dugout History

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience among them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his 28th such match.

Today's result could have a major impact on the duration O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

The club might spend £5m in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity of British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

First XIs

Celtic FC (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Sarrachi; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Maeda, Kenny, Tounekti.

Subs: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Osmand, McCowan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.

Marcelo Sarrachi features instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is additionally excluded of the XI that overcame 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 is selected over Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas with Thelo Aasgaard favored to Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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