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The squads take the field into the noise, Hampden Park divided in two with blue and green sections. For the opportunity to face St Mirren FC at this venue in December … here we go.

Additional Fixtures

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the initial games in the WSL.

As for us, approximately five minutes remain until kick-off at the national stadium!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh will referee today. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture last season during which he issued four sending-offs and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has made it clear this week that he's used to taking part in other important local clashes in his coaching career, during his time at Bayern and Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember during Hansi Flick's appointment, our following match took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. Furthermore, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means for the fans. This represents more than a simple match.

The German manager has been complimenting Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

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

I'm merely commencing my coaching path. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point however the positive aspect we begin level, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can demonstrate via our selections in this fixture.

I'm tremendously excited. I've gained some experience but I expect an enormous event during Sunday's match. To be part of such a game, it's all or nothing. You win, you go into the final, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match against Rangers 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, scoring six goals against that side. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory if we could get it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They inform me their ancestors and parents discussed it frequently. It transformed into a crucial game for our club, not only during that campaign, but possibly for sustained development.

The nervousness for about 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous relief. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This constitutes a significant fixture for us. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, but particularly given the situation of the past few days, possibly even months, absolutely.

Managerial Experience

Two new managers in the dugouts today but there's a big gap in rivalry knowledge between them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as Rangers manager whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

The outcome today might significantly influence on the duration O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has considered.

Celtic could pay substantial compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They could take a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste within British soccer. These represent risks to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

First XIs

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 on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that overcame 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 gets the nod ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Match Preview

Good afternoon and welcome to the Old Firm. It ought to be superior {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus