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The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park separated evenly between blue and green. To earn the chance to meet St Mirren FC here this December … here we go.

Other Football

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham v Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

Turning to this match, there's just over five minutes until kick-off at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match last season when he distributed four dismissals and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the new Rangers manager has made it clear this week that he's familiar with being involved in other significant derbies as a coach, with Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall during Hansi Flick's appointment, our following match 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 Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I know what it means among the followers. This is more than just a game.

The 36-year-old German has been complimenting the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I feel a big respect for such a coaching career. I think it is always great as a manager when you remain active for so many years in this field and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to achieve similar status though the encouraging factor we begin level, distinct coaching generations 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 an enormous event on Sunday. To be part of such a game, the stakes are extremely high. Success secures a final place, you lose, you're out. I think everything is on for a great, great game.

Counterpart Perspective

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Well, replicating that might be extremely difficult, scoring six goals against that side. I'd settle for an unattractive 1-0 win if we could get it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They tell me their family members were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our club, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I think that's what the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures truly. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This constitutes a significant fixture for us. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game constitutes a significant occasion, though especially considering the situation of the past few days, if not recent weeks, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two different coaches on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in derby experience among them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

Today's result may substantially affect regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as temporary Celtic manager persists, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They could take a larger risk on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a first taste of British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

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 begins preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the first team that overcame Falkirk during the week.

Rangers FC (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 receives preference over Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard preferred instead of Mikey Moore in attack.

Match Preview

Greetings and welcome to this derby match. It ought to be superior {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus