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The teams emerge to a thunderous reception, Hampden separated evenly into blue and green. To earn the chance to play St Mirren FC here this December … it all kicks off.

Additional Fixtures

Additional games: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham vs Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain until kick-off at Hampden!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this afternoon. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a continental game last season during which he issued four red cards and 12 yellows. Avoid challenging him.

Dugout Views

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized this week that he's familiar with taking part in other significant derbies as a coach, during his time at Bayern and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. Additionally, in the EFL Championship in the Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I understand the significance for the fans. 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 that type of coaching legacy. I believe it's always impressive as a manager when you remain active for so many years in this industry and accomplish your objectives.

I am just at the beginning my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point but the good thing is we begin level, separate eras and we'll observe what we can bring through our squads in this fixture.

I am very excited. I have had some experience though I anticipate a massive occasion this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, you lose, you're out. I feel all elements converge for a great, great game.

Opposition Manager

The experienced boss: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week concerning his debut match versus their rivals a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Now, repeating that performance might be extremely difficult, netting six times against those opponents. I would take an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They relate to me their family members discussed it frequently. It became a really pivotal match for our club, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours prior to the match, and subsequently if you achieved victory, a great relief. And I think that's what the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. Yet these represented superb matches genuinely. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This represents an important match for us. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final, it's a big match for our side. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, but particularly given the situation of the past few days, if not recent weeks, certainly.

Dugout History

Two different coaches on the sidelines this afternoon yet there's a substantial disparity in derby experience between them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his 28th such match.

The outcome today may substantially affect on how long O'Neill's return as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They might consider an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a debut opportunity within British soccer. These constitute chances to varying degrees. More than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

First XIs

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 starts instead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the starting lineup that defeated Falkirk during the week.

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 gets the nod ahead of Max Aarons on the right side, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard chosen to Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

Good afternoon and welcome to the Old Firm. It should be improved {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus