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The teams emerge to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park separated evenly between blue and green. To earn the chance to play St Mirren here next month … here we go.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin provides live updates for West Ham v Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the initial games in the Women's Super League.

As for us, approximately five minutes remain before the start at Hampden Park!

Match Officials

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this match. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a Europa League match last season when he distributed four dismissals and 12 yellows. Don't cross him.

Dugout Views

The Rangers manager: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly recently that he's used to being involved in other important local clashes in his coaching career, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick took over, our following match was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. As well, in England's second tier in the Steel derby, I participated there too. I understand the significance among the followers. This is more than just a game.

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

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you work so long in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I am just at the beginning my coaching path. I have a lot of work to do to reach that level however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, different generations and we'll observe what we can bring with our teams in this fixture.

I am very excited. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a massive occasion during Sunday's match. To be involved in this fixture, everything is at stake. Victory means reaching the final, you lose, you're out. I feel all elements converge for a great, great game.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The temporary Celtic boss has recently been recalling about his first meeting against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Well, replicating that may prove quite arduous, netting six times against that side. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Various individuals tell me and inform me: 'That was a great game', though they weren't alive then. They inform me their family members were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for our team, not merely in that term, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous relief. And I think that's what the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This represents an important match for us. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final encounter, it's an important game for our side. Every Old Firm match is a big game, but particularly given the conditions of recent times, possibly even months, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two new managers in the dugouts today but there's a big gap in rivalry knowledge between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his 28th such match.

Today's result might significantly influence on how long O'Neill's second spell as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt an even bigger gamble with Robbie Keane. The reigning champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity within British soccer. These constitute chances to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This is arguable.

Team Selections

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 features preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted from the first team that defeated Falkirk in their recent match.

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

Preamble

Greetings and welcome to this Old Firm clash. It ought to be superior {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus