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Match Coverage

The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden separated evenly with blue and green sections. For the right to face St Mirren FC here next month … here we go.

Other Matches

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham v Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the WSL.

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

Match Officials

Nick Walsh will referee 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 when he distributed four red cards and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

The German coach: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has stated clearly this week that he's used to being involved in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. Additionally, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I was also part [of it] there. I understand the significance among the followers. This represents more than a simple match.

The 36-year-old German has been complimenting 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive as a manager when you remain active for so many years in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have substantial work ahead to achieve similar status though the encouraging factor we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and we'll discover what we can bring via our selections in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience though I anticipate a big, big one 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 believe all factors align for a magnificent contest.

Counterpart Perspective

The Celtic manager: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing about his first meeting with Rangers two and a half decades past, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, netting six times against those opponents. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Certain supporters approach and say to me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', though they weren't alive then. They inform me their ancestors and parents were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our club, not merely in that term, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous relief. And I feel that's precisely the great Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's an important game for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals represents a major event, but particularly given the circumstances of the past few days, if not weeks, definitely.

Coaching Background

Two new managers leading their teams today but there's a big gap in derby experience between them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his twenty-eighth.

Today's result could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach lasts, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

They could potentially invest five million pounds in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They may attempt a larger risk on Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a first taste in British football. These constitute chances to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is debatable.

Starting Lineups

Celtic FC (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 starts instead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is also omitted 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.

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

James Tavernier gets the nod instead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred instead of Mikey Moore in attack.

Preamble

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