🔗 Share this article

Live Feed

The teams emerge to a thunderous reception, Hampden separated evenly between blue and green. For the right to play St Mirren FC at this venue next month … it all kicks off.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin provides live updates for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the day's opening matches in the WSL.

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

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this match. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match the previous campaign during which he issued four dismissals and twelve cautions. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

The German coach: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly in recent days that he's used to participating in other major rivalries in his coaching career, with Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match was at home against Dortmund. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift when you triumph in such matches. Additionally, in the Championship in the Steel derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance among the followers. This is more than just a game.

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

I feel a big respect for that type of coaching legacy. I think it is always great in this profession when you remain active for so many years in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I'm only starting out of my career. There's much work remaining to reach that level though the encouraging factor we start at 0-0, different generations and let's see what we can contribute with our teams in this encounter.

I am very excited. I've gained some experience yet I foresee an enormous event on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, the stakes are extremely high. You win, you go into the final, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The stand-in manager has recently been recalling concerning his debut match with Rangers 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Now, repeating that performance could be very challenging, netting six times against those opponents. I'd settle for an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Some lads come up and say to me: 'That was a great game', despite not being born at the time. They relate to me their ancestors and parents discussed it frequently. It became a really pivotal match for us, not only during that campaign, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and then should you secure success, tremendous relief. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game is a big game, but particularly given the conditions of recent times, possibly even months, certainly.

Dugout History

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his twenty-eighth.

The outcome today may substantially affect regarding the tenure O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss persists, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They could take an even bigger gamble involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity in British football. These represent risks in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This is debatable.

First XIs

Celtic (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Sarrachi; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Maeda, Kenny, Tounekti.

Subs: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Osmand, McCowan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.

Marcelo Sarrachi begins ahead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that beat 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 receives preference ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle with Thelo Aasgaard favored instead of Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

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