🔗 Share this article

Live Feed

The players head out into the noise, Hampden Park divided in two into blue and green. For the opportunity to meet St Mirren here next month … here we go.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the women's top division.

Turning to this match, we're only five minutes away before the start at Hampden!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee this afternoon. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a continental game in the last term during which he issued four red cards and a dozen bookings. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has made it clear in recent days that he's accustomed to being involved in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall during Hansi Flick's appointment, our following match was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. As well, in England's second tier in the Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I recognize the importance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

The young coach has also been lauding Martin O'Neill's lengthy tenure at 73.

I feel a big respect for that type of coaching legacy. I think it is always great in this profession when you remain active for so many years in this field and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to reach that level however the positive aspect we begin level, distinct coaching generations and we'll observe what we can demonstrate through our squads in this fixture.

I am very excited. I have had some experience though I anticipate a big, big one during Sunday's match. To be involved in this fixture, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for a great, great game.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The temporary Celtic boss has recently been recalling concerning his debut match versus their rivals 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, putting six past them versus that team. I would take a really lousy 1-0 victory if we managed to secure it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', and they weren't even born. They relate to me their family members discussed it frequently. It transformed into a crucial game for our club, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I feel that's precisely the great Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. However these were magnificent contests really. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for our squad. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, though especially considering the circumstances of recent times, if not recent weeks, certainly.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches leading their teams today yet there's a substantial disparity in rivalry knowledge among them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage of his 28th.

The outcome today might significantly influence on how long O'Neill's return as temporary Celtic manager persists, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity in British football. These constitute chances to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This is arguable.

Team Selections

Celtic FC (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 instead 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 over Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred to Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Match Preview

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