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The players head out amid the roar, Hampden Park split down the middle with blue and green sections. For the right to play St Mirren FC here next month … the action begins.

Additional Fixtures

More matches: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the initial games in the WSL.

As for us, approximately five minutes remain before the start at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this match. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a continental game the previous campaign where he showed four sending-offs and 12 yellows. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

The German coach: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the new Rangers manager has stated clearly recently that he's accustomed to participating in other important local clashes in his coaching career, during his time at Bayern and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick took over, our following match was at home against Dortmund. We secured a 4-0 victory. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. As well, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I understand the significance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

The German manager has been complimenting 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I feel a big respect for such a coaching career. I think it is always great in this profession when you sustain your career over decades in this business and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my coaching path. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status though the encouraging factor we begin level, separate eras and let's see what we can demonstrate with our teams in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience but I expect an enormous event during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, it's all or nothing. Victory means reaching the final, you lose, you're out. I think everything is on for a great, great game.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The stand-in manager has been reflecting this week about his first meeting with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that may prove quite arduous, putting six past them versus that team. I would take a scrappy single-goal triumph if we could get it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was a great game', though they weren't alive then. They tell me their ancestors and parents spoke about it regularly. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous relief. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our club. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for our side. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, but particularly given the circumstances of the past few days, possibly even months, definitely.

Coaching Background

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon yet there's a substantial disparity in rivalry knowledge between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

The outcome today may substantially affect regarding the tenure O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

They could potentially invest £5m in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take a larger risk on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity in British football. These represent risks in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

Team Selections

Celtic FC (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 instead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is additionally excluded of the XI that defeated Falkirk in midweek.

Rangers FC (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, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard chosen to Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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