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Match Coverage

The teams emerge amid the roar, Hampden separated evenly between blue and green. To earn the chance to face St Mirren at this venue next month … here we go.

Other Matches

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the early kick-offs in the Women's Super League.

As for us, there's just over five minutes before the start at Hampden Park!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this match. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match last season during which he issued four sending-offs and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

The Rangers manager: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the new Rangers manager has made it clear this week that he's familiar with participating in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation when you triumph in such matches. As well, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I was involved in that as well. I recognize the importance for the fans. This represents more than a simple match.

The 36-year-old German has been praising Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I feel a big respect for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you work so long in this field and you are successful.

I'm only starting out of my career. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point however the positive aspect we commence evenly matched, different generations and we'll discover what we can contribute through our squads in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience though I anticipate a big, big one during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, a loss ends your participation. I think everything is on for an outstanding match.

Counterpart Perspective

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match versus their rivals 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Certainly, matching that achievement might be extremely difficult, putting six past them against that side. I would take an unattractive 1-0 win if we could get it. Some lads come up and say to me: 'That was a great game', and they weren't even born. They tell me their family members were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our team, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The nervousness for about 72 hours before, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that it was relief more than anything else. But they were fantastic fixtures truly. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This represents an important match for our team. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final encounter, it's an important game for our side. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, but particularly given the conditions of the past few days, if not weeks, certainly.

Dugout History

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

This match's conclusion may substantially affect on how long O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest £5m in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions may opt to give Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a first taste within British soccer. These constitute chances in their own way. More than O'Neill? This is arguable.

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 begins preferred to Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest also drops out from the first team that overcame Falkirk in midweek.

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 gets the nod ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard chosen to Mikey Moore in attack.

Match Preview

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