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The squads take the field into the noise, Hampden Park separated evenly into blue and green. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren FC in this stadium this December … the action begins.

Other Football

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

Turning to this match, we're only five minutes away before the start at the national stadium!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh will referee this match. He was also the referee for last year's Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture in the last term during which he issued four sending-offs and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly in recent days that he's accustomed to taking part in other major rivalries as a coach, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match was at home against Dortmund. We secured a 4-0 victory. It always provides a lift when you triumph in such matches. Furthermore, in the Championship during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I know what it means to the supporters. This transcends ordinary football.

The young coach has also been lauding Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you work so long in this business and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my coaching path. There's much work remaining to reach that level but the good thing is we begin level, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can bring via our selections in this encounter.

I am very excited. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a big, big one on Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. Success secures a final place, a loss ends your participation. I think everything is on for a great, great game.

Counterpart Perspective

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match with Rangers 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement may prove quite arduous, netting six times against that side. I would take an unattractive 1-0 win if we could get it. Some lads come up and inform me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They tell me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for our club, not merely in that term, but probably for continuing on.

The nervousness for about 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous 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's still a fantastic fixture.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's a big match for us. Every Old Firm match constitutes a significant occasion, but particularly given the circumstances of the recent days, possibly even months, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two fresh managers leading their teams today but there's a big gap in rivalry knowledge among them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as (interim, for now) Celtic boss continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend substantial compensation to lure Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They might consider a larger risk involving Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity in British football. These represent risks to varying degrees. Beyond O'Neill? This is debatable.

First XIs

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 begins preferred to Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk in their recent match.

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 is selected over Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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