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The players head out amid the roar, Hampden Park divided in two between blue and green. For the right to face St Mirren at this venue next month … here we go.

Other Matches

More matches: John Brewin provides live updates for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the early kick-offs in the Women's Super League.

Turning to this match, we're only five minutes away until kick-off at the national stadium!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He was also the referee for last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game in the last term during which he issued four sending-offs and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly recently that he's familiar with being involved in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick took over, our second game was at home against Dortmund. We secured a 4-0 victory. It is always a booster when you triumph in such matches. Furthermore, in England's second tier in the Steel derby, I was also part [of it] there. I understand the significance for the fans. This transcends ordinary football.

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

I feel a big respect for such a managerial journey. I think it is always great in this profession when you sustain your career over decades in this business and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my coaching path. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, different generations and we'll discover what we can contribute through our squads in this game.

I am very excited. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect a big, big one on Sunday. To participate in such a match, the stakes are extremely high. Victory means reaching the final, defeat means elimination. I feel all elements converge for a magnificent contest.

Rival Coach

The experienced boss: The Celtic interim manager has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match with Rangers two and a half decades past, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that might be extremely difficult, putting six past them against that side. I would take a scrappy single-goal triumph if we could get it. Various individuals tell me and inform me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They inform me their grandfathers and fathers spoke about it regularly. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not only during that campaign, but likely for future progress.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests really. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for us. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, though especially considering the circumstances of the past few days, if not weeks, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers in the dugouts today but there's a big gap in derby experience among them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage of his 28th.

The outcome today could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's comeback as temporary Celtic manager continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They could take a larger risk involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen an initial experience of British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This is debatable.

Starting Lineups

Celtic (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 ahead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest also drops out from the first team that defeated Falkirk in midweek.

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 is selected ahead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

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