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The players head out amid the roar, Hampden Park separated evenly into blue and green. For the right to play St Mirren in this stadium in December … here we go.

Additional Fixtures

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the early kick-offs in the women's top division.

Turning to this match, approximately five minutes remain before the start at the national stadium!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh will referee this afternoon. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match last season during which he issued four red cards and twelve cautions. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized this week that he's accustomed to participating in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, with Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recollect during Hansi Flick's appointment, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation when you triumph in such matches. As well, in the Championship during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

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

I hold great admiration for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you work so long in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I'm merely commencing of my career. There's much work remaining to reach that level though the encouraging factor we start at 0-0, different generations and we'll observe what we can demonstrate with our teams in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences though I anticipate a big, big one this Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. You win, you go into the final, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for a great, great game.

Rival Coach

The Celtic manager: The stand-in manager has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter with Rangers 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, scoring six goals against those opponents. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They inform me their grandfathers and fathers discussed it frequently. It transformed into a crucial game for our team, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and then should you secure success, significant comfort. And I think that's what the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, 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 team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, but particularly given the situation of recent times, if not recent weeks, certainly.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge among them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his 28th such match.

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

Celtic could pay five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take an even bigger gamble involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge an initial experience of British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

Starting Lineups

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 starts ahead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted from the starting lineup that defeated Falkirk in midweek.

Rangers (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 ahead of Max Aarons on the right, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored instead of Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Preamble

Good afternoon and welcome to this derby match. It should be improved {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus