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The squads take the field amid the roar, Hampden Park split down the middle with blue and green sections. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren FC at this venue this December … the action begins.

Other Football

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the initial games in the WSL.

Regarding our coverage, there's just over five minutes before the start at Hampden!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match the previous campaign during which he issued four dismissals and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Dugout Views

Danny Röhl: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has made it clear in recent days that he's accustomed to being involved in other significant derbies in his coaching career, with Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick took over, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. 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 been praising 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I hold great admiration for that type of coaching legacy. I think it is always great in this profession when you remain active for so many years in this field and you are successful.

I am just at the beginning of my career. I have a lot of work to do to reach that level however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, separate eras and let's see what we can bring via our selections in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences yet I foresee a massive occasion this Sunday. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, a loss ends your participation. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

The experienced boss: The Celtic interim manager has this week been reminiscing about his first meeting versus their rivals 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Now, repeating that performance could be very challenging, netting six times against that side. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win if we managed to secure it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They inform me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for us, not merely in that term, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, a great relief. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures really. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for our club. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's an important game for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, however specifically because of the circumstances of recent times, possibly even months, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon yet there's a substantial disparity in Old Firm experience between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his twenty-eighth.

This match's conclusion could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

Celtic could pay five million pounds in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity of British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Team Selections

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 begins instead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that beat Falkirk in their recent match.

Rangers (3-4-3): Butland; Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Tavernier, Diomande, Raskin, Meghoma; Aasgaard, Chermiti, Danilo.

Reserves: Kelly, Aarons, Fernández, Rothwell, Antman, Moore, Gassama, Curtis, Miovski.

James Tavernier gets the nod over Max Aarons on the right, featuring Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in attack.

Opening Context

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