Celtic FC v Rangers – Scottish Cup Semi-Final Clash

Live Updates

The squads take the field amid the roar, Hampden split down the middle between blue and green. For the opportunity to play St Mirren FC here in December … the action begins.

Additional Fixtures

More matches: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

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

Match Officials

Nick Walsh takes charge this match. He was also the referee for the 2024 cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match the previous campaign where he showed four red cards and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly this week that he's familiar with being involved in other significant derbies during his managerial journey, with Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recollect during Hansi Flick's appointment, our following match was at home against Dortmund. 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 know what it means for the fans. This is more than just a game.

The 36-year-old German has also been lauding the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I have tremendous respect for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive in this profession when you remain active for so many years in this business and achieve success.

I'm merely commencing my coaching path. I have substantial work ahead to reach that level however the positive aspect we commence evenly matched, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can contribute via our selections in this encounter.

I am very excited. I've gained some experience but I expect a massive occasion this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, the stakes are extremely high. Success secures a final place, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has this week been reminiscing regarding his initial encounter versus their rivals two and a half decades past, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that might be extremely difficult, netting six times against those opponents. I'd settle for an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Certain supporters approach and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their grandfathers and fathers spoke about it regularly. It transformed into a crucial game for us, not merely in that term, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and then should you secure success, a great relief. And I feel that's precisely the legendary Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. Yet these represented superb matches genuinely. It continues to be a superb rivalry.

This is a big game for our club. 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, though especially considering the situation of the recent days, if not recent weeks, absolutely.

Managerial Experience

Two fresh managers on the sidelines this afternoon but there's a big gap in derby experience among them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge of his 28th.

The outcome today could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's second spell as (interim, for now) Celtic boss continues, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

Celtic could pay substantial compensation to lure Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a more significant chance involving Robbie Keane. The title holders might choose to offer Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste in British football. These constitute chances in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This is debatable.

Team Selections

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 features ahead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest also drops out of the XI 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 is selected ahead of Max Aarons on the right, with Mohamed Diomande coming in taking Connor Barron's suspended place in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard preferred over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Preamble

Greetings and welcome to this derby match. It should be improved {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus