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The teams emerge amid the roar, Hampden split down the middle between blue and green. To earn the chance to face St Mirren at this venue this December … here we go.

Other Football

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham v Newcastle in the EPL; 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!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this afternoon. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals plus a European fixture the previous campaign where he showed four red cards and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Dugout Views

The German coach: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly recently that he's used to taking part in other important local clashes as a coach, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We triumphed 4-0. It is always a booster following success in these encounters. As well, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I participated there too. I know what it means to the supporters. This transcends ordinary football.

The young coach has been praising the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you remain active for so many years in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I'm merely commencing my professional journey. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point but the good thing is we commence evenly matched, distinct coaching generations and we'll discover what we can demonstrate via our selections in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience yet I foresee an enormous event on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. You win, you go into the final, defeat means elimination. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Counterpart Perspective

The Celtic manager: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter against Rangers two and a half decades past, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Now, repeating that performance could be very challenging, scoring six goals against that side. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Certain supporters approach and mention to me: 'That was a great game', despite not being born at the time. They relate to me their ancestors and parents spoke about it regularly. It became a really pivotal match for us, not merely in that term, but likely for future progress.

The anxiety for approximately three days prior to the match, and then should you secure success, significant comfort. And I think that's what the renowned 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 constitutes a significant fixture for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for our side. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, however specifically because of the situation of the recent days, possibly even months, definitely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

The outcome today might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss persists, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

The club might spend substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They might consider an even bigger gamble involving Robbie Keane. The reigning champions may opt to give Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste of British football. These constitute chances in different manners. More than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Starting Lineups

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 starts instead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk in their recent match.

Rangers (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 gets the nod instead of Max Aarons on the right, with Mohamed Diomande coming in replacing the banned Connor Barron in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

Good afternoon and welcome to this Old Firm clash. It ought to be superior {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus