Celtic FC v Rangers FC – Scottish Cup Semi-Final Clash

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The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park divided in two into blue and green. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren here this December … here we go.

Additional Fixtures

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham vs Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

Regarding our coverage, we're only five minutes away before the start at Hampden Park!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee today. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a continental game in the last term when he distributed four sending-offs and a dozen bookings. Steer clear of confrontation.

Manager Insights

The Rangers manager: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has stated clearly in recent days that he's accustomed to being involved in other major rivalries as a coach, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game was at home against Dortmund. We secured a 4-0 victory. It always provides a lift when you triumph in such matches. As well, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance to the supporters. 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 managerial journey. I consider it consistently remarkable in this profession when you sustain your career over decades in this field and accomplish your objectives.

I'm merely commencing of my career. There's much work remaining to come to this point but the good thing is we commence evenly matched, different generations and we'll observe what we can contribute via our selections in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience yet I foresee a massive occasion on Sunday. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I feel all elements converge for a magnificent contest.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has recently been recalling about his first meeting against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that might be extremely difficult, putting six past them against those opponents. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory if we could get it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', 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 team, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours prior to the match, and then should you secure success, tremendous relief. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. But they were fantastic fixtures truly. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This constitutes a significant fixture for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final encounter, it's an important game for us. Each encounter between these rivals constitutes a significant occasion, but particularly given the situation of the past few days, possibly even months, certainly.

Coaching Background

Two new managers leading their teams today yet there's a substantial disparity in derby experience among them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his 28th such match.

The outcome today may substantially affect on the duration O'Neill's second spell as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to lure Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The reigning champions might choose to offer Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a first taste within British soccer. These are all gambles in their own way. Even more than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

First XIs

Celtic (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 begins preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest also drops out from the starting lineup that overcame Falkirk in their recent match.

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 receives preference ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard preferred to Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

Hello and welcome to the Old Firm. It's got to be better {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus