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Match Coverage

The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden separated evenly between blue and green. To earn the chance to meet St Mirren here this December … here we go.

Other Matches

Other football: John Brewin provides live updates for West Ham v Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the initial games in the Women's Super League.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain until kick-off at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee this afternoon. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture in the last term where he showed four dismissals and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

The German coach: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized this week that he's familiar with being involved in other major rivalries during his managerial journey, with Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our following match took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. As well, in the EFL Championship in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

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

I have tremendous respect for such a coaching career. I consider it consistently remarkable as a manager when you sustain your career over decades in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I am just at the beginning of my career. There's much work remaining to achieve similar status though the encouraging factor we begin level, different generations and let's see what we can bring through our squads in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a massive occasion this Sunday. To be part of such a game, the stakes are extremely high. You win, you go into the final, a loss ends your participation. I feel all elements converge for an outstanding match.

Counterpart Perspective

The experienced boss: The temporary Celtic boss has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter with Rangers 25 years ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, scoring six goals versus that team. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Some lads come up and say to me: 'That was a great game', and they weren't even born. They tell me their ancestors and parents discussed it frequently. It transformed into a crucial game for our team, not only during that campaign, but probably for continuing on.

The anxiety for approximately three days before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures really. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for our team. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a crucial contest for our side. Each encounter between these rivals constitutes a significant occasion, however specifically because of the conditions of the recent days, if not weeks, definitely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers in the dugouts today but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience among them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first leading Rangers whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen an initial experience in British football. These constitute chances in their own way. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

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 starts ahead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that beat Falkirk in their recent match.

Rangers (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 is selected over Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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