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Match Coverage

The squads take the field to a thunderous reception, Hampden divided in two between blue and green. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren at this venue this December … the action begins.

Additional Fixtures

Other football: John Brewin provides live updates for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain before the start at Hampden Park!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He also refereed the 2024 Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture the previous campaign when he distributed four dismissals and a dozen bookings. Steer clear of confrontation.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has made it clear in recent days that he's used to participating in other important local clashes as a coach, at Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. As well, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance to the supporters. This is more than just a game.

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

I have tremendous respect for that type of coaching legacy. I think it is always great for a coach when you work so long in this industry and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my coaching path. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point though the encouraging factor we commence evenly matched, separate eras and let's see what we can bring via our selections in this fixture.

I am very excited. I've gained some experience but I expect a big, big one this Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. Success secures a final place, a loss ends your participation. I feel all elements converge for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter against Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that might be extremely difficult, scoring six goals against that side. I would take a scrappy single-goal triumph should we achieve it. Some lads come up and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They inform me their family members spoke about it regularly. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not just that season, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours prior to the match, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I believe that's exactly the great Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for us. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a crucial contest for our squad. Any Celtic-Rangers game represents a major event, but particularly given the situation of the recent days, if not recent weeks, certainly.

Dugout History

Two different coaches leading their teams today but there's a big gap in derby experience between them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage of his 28th.

The outcome today might significantly influence on how long O'Neill's second spell as temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest five million pounds in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions may opt to give Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste within British soccer. These are all gambles to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Team Selections

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 starts instead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest also drops out from the first team that defeated 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 receives preference over Max Aarons on the right, featuring Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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