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Match Coverage

The teams emerge amid the roar, Hampden Park separated evenly into blue and green. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren FC here this December … here we go.

Other Matches

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the initial games in the women's top division.

As for us, we're only five minutes away before the start at the national stadium!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh will referee this afternoon. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match in the last term where he showed four red cards and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Dugout Views

The German coach: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the new Rangers manager has made it clear recently that he's used to taking part in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. Furthermore, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means to the supporters. This is more than just a game.

The 36-year-old German has been praising the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I feel a big respect for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you sustain your career over decades in this field and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status however the positive aspect we commence evenly matched, distinct coaching generations and we'll observe what we can demonstrate with our teams in this game.

I am very excited. I've accumulated certain experiences though I anticipate a big, big one on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. Victory means reaching the final, a loss ends your participation. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week about his first meeting with Rangers two and a half decades past, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Certainly, matching that achievement could be very challenging, scoring six goals against that side. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and mention to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', despite not being born at the time. They relate to me their ancestors and parents discussed it frequently. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not only during that campaign, but likely for future progress.

The anxiety for approximately three days prior to the match, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous relief. And I think that's what the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests truly. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for our side. Any Celtic-Rangers game constitutes a significant occasion, though especially considering the circumstances of the recent days, possibly even months, certainly.

Dugout History

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon yet there's a substantial disparity in rivalry knowledge among them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his twenty-eighth.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They could take an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste in British football. These constitute chances to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is debatable.

Starting Lineups

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 additionally excluded of the XI that defeated Falkirk in their recent match.

Rangers FC (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 instead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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