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The teams emerge amid the roar, Hampden Park divided in two with blue and green sections. For the right to face St Mirren FC at this venue this December … here we go.

Additional Fixtures

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham v Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

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

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match in the last term during which he issued four sending-offs and twelve cautions. Steer clear of confrontation.

Manager Insights

The German coach: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has made it clear recently that he's used to participating in other major rivalries as a coach, during his time at Bayern and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick took over, our subsequent fixture was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. Furthermore, in the EFL Championship in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance to the supporters. This represents more than a simple match.

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

I hold great admiration for such a managerial journey. I consider it consistently remarkable for a coach when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and you are successful.

I am just at the beginning my professional journey. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status however the positive aspect we commence evenly matched, different generations and let's see what we can contribute with our teams in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a massive occasion on Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. You win, you go into the final, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for a great, great game.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has recently been recalling concerning his debut match with Rangers two and a half decades past, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Certainly, matching that achievement may prove quite arduous, scoring six goals against those opponents. I'd settle for a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', despite not being born at the time. They relate to me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for our club, not only during that campaign, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours beforehand, and then should you secure success, a great relief. And I feel that's precisely the legendary Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that it was relief more than anything else. However these were magnificent contests really. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our club. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's an important game for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game represents a major event, but particularly given the circumstances of the past few days, possibly even months, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two different coaches in the dugouts today but there's a big gap in derby experience between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his twenty-eighth.

Today's result might significantly influence on how long O'Neill's return as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

The club might spend five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They may attempt a more significant chance on Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen an initial experience within British soccer. These represent risks to varying degrees. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

Team Selections

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 features ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that defeated Falkirk in their recent match.

Rangers FC (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 gets the nod ahead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard chosen instead of Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

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