🔗 Share this article

Match Coverage

The squads take the field to a thunderous reception, Hampden divided in two into blue and green. For the right to play St Mirren FC in this stadium next month … here we go.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the early kick-offs in the women's top division.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain until kick-off at Hampden!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh will referee this afternoon. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match in the last term where he showed four sending-offs and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has stated clearly in recent days that he's familiar with taking part in other significant derbies in his coaching career, with Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It is always a booster if you win such a game. As well, in the EFL Championship during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

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

I feel a big respect for that type of coaching legacy. I believe it's always impressive for a coach when you work so long in this field and you are successful.

I am just at the beginning my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point though the encouraging factor we commence evenly matched, separate eras and let's see what we can demonstrate with our teams in this encounter.

I am very excited. I've gained some experience yet I foresee a massive occasion this Sunday. To participate in such a match, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, a loss ends your participation. I feel all elements converge for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The Celtic interim manager has this week been reminiscing about his first meeting against Rangers two and a half decades past, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Certainly, matching that achievement might be extremely difficult, netting six times versus that team. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They relate to me their ancestors and parents discussed it frequently. It became a really pivotal match for our club, not only during that campaign, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, a great relief. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our team. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's an important game for us. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, however specifically because of the conditions of the recent days, possibly even months, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two different coaches in the dugouts today though there's a significant difference in derby experience separating them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

This match's conclusion could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's second spell as temporary Celtic manager persists, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They might consider an even bigger gamble involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity within British soccer. These constitute chances in their own way. More than O'Neill? This is debatable.

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 begins ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that overcame 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 receives preference over Max Aarons on the right, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle with Thelo Aasgaard favored to Mikey Moore in attack.

Match Preview

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