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The teams emerge to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park split down the middle between blue and green. For the right to face St Mirren FC in this stadium in December … here we go.

Additional Fixtures

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham v Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the early kick-offs in the Women's Super League.

Turning to this match, there's just over five minutes before the start at Hampden Park!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He was also the referee for last year's Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a Europa League match last season where he showed four red cards and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has made it clear this week that he's familiar with being involved in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We secured a 4-0 victory. It consistently offers motivation if you win such a game. As well, in England's second tier in the Steel derby, I was also part [of it] there. I know what it means among the followers. This transcends ordinary football.

The young coach has also been lauding the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I feel a big respect for that type of coaching legacy. I consider it consistently remarkable for a coach when you sustain your career over decades in this field and achieve success.

I'm only starting out of my career. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status but the good thing is we commence evenly matched, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can contribute with our teams in this game.

I'm tremendously excited. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a massive occasion this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, everything is at stake. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I think everything is on for a great, great game.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week concerning his debut match with Rangers 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Now, repeating that performance might be extremely difficult, netting six times against that side. I'd settle for an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They tell me their family members spoke about it regularly. It transformed into a crucial game for us, not merely in that term, but likely for future progress.

The anxiety for approximately three days before, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I believe that's exactly the great Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests really. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for our team. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for our side. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, but particularly given the conditions of the past few days, possibly even months, definitely.

Managerial Experience

Two new managers leading their teams today yet there's a substantial disparity in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage of his 28th.

The outcome today could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The reigning champions may opt to give Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste of British football. These represent risks in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

Starting Lineups

Celtic FC (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Sarrachi; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Maeda, Kenny, Tounekti.

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

Marcelo Sarrachi features preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that beat 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 gets the nod over Max Aarons on the right side, with Mohamed Diomande coming in taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in attack.

Opening Context

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