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The teams emerge amid the roar, Hampden Park divided in two into blue and green. For the right to face St Mirren here this December … it all kicks off.

Other Matches

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

Turning to this match, there's just over five minutes before the game begins at the national stadium!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh takes charge this match. He previously officiated last year's Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a Europa League match last season when he distributed four dismissals and a dozen bookings. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has emphasized in recent days that he's used to participating in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We triumphed 4-0. It is always a booster if you win such a game. Furthermore, in the EFL Championship in the Sheffield derby, I was involved in that as well. I know what it means for the fans. This transcends ordinary football.

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

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I'm merely commencing of my career. I have substantial work ahead to reach that level but the good thing is we begin level, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can demonstrate with our teams in this encounter.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience but I expect a massive occasion this Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I believe all factors align for a great, great game.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter versus their rivals 25 years ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Certainly, matching that achievement might be extremely difficult, netting six times versus that team. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win if we managed to secure it. Some lads come up and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their grandfathers and fathers spoke about it regularly. It became a really pivotal match for us, 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 think that's what the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that it was relief more than anything else. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This represents an important match for our club. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a last-four clash, it's a big match for our side. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, however specifically because of the conditions of recent times, possibly even months, absolutely.

Managerial Experience

Two different coaches leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion may substantially affect on the duration O'Neill's return as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They might consider a more significant chance on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste of British football. These are all gambles in their own way. More than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

First XIs

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 also drops out from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk during the week.

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 receives preference ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard preferred to Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Preamble

Greetings and welcome to this derby match. It should be improved {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus