Celtic FC against Rangers – Scottish Cup Semi-Final

Match Coverage

The players head out amid the roar, Hampden divided in two into blue and green. For the opportunity to face St Mirren at this venue in December … here we go.

Other Football

Additional games: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the day's opening matches in the women's top division.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain before the game begins at Hampden!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this match. He was also the referee for last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match in the last term where he showed four sending-offs and 12 yellows. Avoid challenging him.

Coaching Perspectives

The German coach: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has made it clear in recent days that he's familiar with taking part in other major rivalries as a coach, with Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recollect during Hansi Flick's appointment, our subsequent fixture was versus Dortmund at home. We triumphed 4-0. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. Furthermore, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance among the followers. This is more than just a game.

The German manager has been praising 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I think it is always great as a manager when you work so long in this field and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to achieve similar status but the good thing is we begin level, separate eras and we'll observe what we can demonstrate via our selections in this fixture.

I am very excited. I have had some experience yet I foresee a big, big one on Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. 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 stand-in manager has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter with Rangers two and a half decades past, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, netting six times versus that team. I'd settle for a really lousy 1-0 victory if we could get it. Various individuals tell me and inform me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They inform me their ancestors and parents discussed it frequently. It became a really pivotal match for our team, not only during that campaign, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, a great relief. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that it was relief more than anything else. But they were fantastic fixtures genuinely. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a crucial contest for us. Each encounter between these rivals constitutes a significant occasion, but particularly given the circumstances of recent times, if not weeks, definitely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in derby experience between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

Today's result could have a major impact on the duration O'Neill's second spell as temporary Celtic manager lasts, as Ewan Murray has considered.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity in British football. These represent risks in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

Starting Lineups

Celtic FC (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 features preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is additionally excluded of the XI that overcame Falkirk in midweek.

Rangers (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 on the right, including Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in attack.

Opening Context

Good afternoon and welcome to this derby match. It ought to be superior {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus