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The teams emerge to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park split down the middle between blue and green. To earn the chance to play St Mirren FC here this December … it all kicks off.

Other Matches

Other football: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the WSL.

Turning to this match, approximately five minutes remain before the game begins at Hampden!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh will referee today. He was also the referee for last year's Scottish Cup final featuring these two rivals and a Europa League match the previous campaign where he showed four dismissals and a dozen bookings. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

The German coach: While this is his first Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has stated clearly this week that he's used to taking part in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It consistently offers motivation when you triumph in such matches. As well, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance among the followers. This transcends ordinary football.

The young coach has been praising 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive as a manager when you sustain your career over decades in this industry and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my coaching path. There's much work remaining to reach that level however the positive aspect we commence evenly matched, different generations and let's see what we can contribute via our selections in this game.

I am very excited. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a big, big one on 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.

Opposition Manager

The experienced boss: The stand-in manager has been reflecting this week concerning his debut match with Rangers two and a half decades past, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Now, repeating that performance might be extremely difficult, netting six times versus that team. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory if we could get it. Certain supporters approach and say to me: 'That was a great game', though they weren't alive then. They inform me their family members discussed it frequently. It became a really pivotal match for us, not just that season, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours prior to the match, and subsequently if you achieved victory, a great relief. And I feel that's precisely the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests really. It's still a fantastic fixture.

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

Managerial Experience

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge between them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge his 28th such match.

This match's conclusion might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's return as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has considered.

Celtic could pay substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity of British football. These are all gambles in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This is debatable.

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 begins preferred to Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest also drops out of the XI that defeated Falkirk during the week.

Rangers FC (3-4-3): Butland; Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Tavernier, Diomande, Raskin, Meghoma; Aasgaard, Chermiti, Danilo.

Substitutes: Kelly, Aarons, Fernández, Rothwell, Antman, Moore, Gassama, Curtis, Miovski.

James Tavernier gets the nod over Max Aarons in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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