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Match Coverage

The squads take the field amid the roar, Hampden split down the middle between blue and green. For the right to face St Mirren FC at this venue this December … the action begins.

Other Football

Other football: John Brewin provides live updates for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

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

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a continental game the previous campaign when he distributed four dismissals and twelve cautions. Steer clear of confrontation.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the recently appointed boss has made it clear recently that he's familiar with being involved in other significant derbies during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick took over, our following match was at home against Dortmund. We secured a 4-0 victory. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. As well, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance for the fans. This represents more than a simple match.

The 36-year-old German has also been lauding 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I feel a big respect for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive as a manager 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 substantial work ahead to achieve similar status though the encouraging factor we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and we'll discover what we can bring via our selections in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I have had some experience yet I foresee a big, big one this Sunday. To participate in such a match, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, you lose, you're out. I think everything is on for a great, great game.

Rival Coach

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has been reflecting this week concerning his debut match against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement could be very challenging, scoring six goals against that side. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was a great game', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their ancestors and parents discussed it frequently. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not merely in that term, but possibly for sustained development.

The anxiety for approximately three days beforehand, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I think that's what the great Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that it was relief more than anything else. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's an important game for our side. Any Celtic-Rangers game is a big game, but particularly given the circumstances of the past few days, if not recent weeks, definitely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches on the sidelines this afternoon yet there's a substantial disparity in Old Firm experience between them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as Rangers manager whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

The outcome today might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's second spell as (interim, for now) Celtic boss persists, as Ewan Murray has considered.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They could take a larger risk on Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a first taste in British football. These represent risks 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.

Reserves: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Osmand, McCowan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.

Marcelo Sarrachi features ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the first team that defeated Falkirk in midweek.

Rangers (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, featuring Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Match Preview

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