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The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden divided in two into blue and green. For the right to play St Mirren in this stadium this December … it all kicks off.

Additional Fixtures

More matches: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

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

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle today. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game the previous campaign when he distributed four red cards and a dozen bookings. Avoid challenging him.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly this week that he's familiar with taking part in other major rivalries as a coach, during his time at Bayern and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall during Hansi Flick's appointment, our second game was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. As well, in the EFL Championship during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I understand the significance to the supporters. This transcends ordinary football.

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

I feel a big respect for such a managerial journey. I think it is always great as a manager when you remain active for so many years in this field and achieve success.

I'm merely commencing my coaching path. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point but the good thing is we commence evenly matched, different generations and let's see what we can demonstrate through our squads in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences though I anticipate a big, big one during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, the stakes are extremely high. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

The experienced boss: The stand-in manager has recently been recalling concerning his debut match versus their rivals two and a half decades past, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, netting six times versus that team. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Some lads come up and inform me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers spoke about it regularly. It transformed into a crucial game for us, not merely in that term, but likely for future progress.

The anxiety for approximately three days beforehand, and then should you secure success, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that it was relief more than anything else. But they were fantastic fixtures genuinely. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This represents an important match for us. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final encounter, it's an important game for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, though especially considering the circumstances of the recent days, if not weeks, certainly.

Coaching Background

Two fresh managers leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in derby experience separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence on the duration O'Neill's comeback as temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend substantial compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They could take a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The reigning champions may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity of British football. These represent risks in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

Team Selections

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 features preferred to Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest also drops out from the first team that defeated Falkirk during the week.

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 instead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard preferred instead of Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Match Preview

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