Celtic against Rangers – Scottish Cup Semi-Final Clash

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The players head out amid the roar, Hampden split down the middle between blue and green. For the right to face St Mirren FC here next month … here we go.

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More matches: John Brewin provides live updates for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the initial games in the Women's Super League.

Turning to this match, there's just over five minutes until kick-off at Hampden!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a continental game last season where he showed four dismissals and twelve cautions. Avoid challenging him.

Manager Insights

The German coach: While this is his first Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has made it clear this week that he's accustomed to participating in other significant derbies during his managerial journey, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember during Hansi Flick's appointment, our following match took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We secured a 4-0 victory. It is always a booster if you win such a game. Furthermore, in the EFL Championship during the Steel City derby, I was involved in that as well. I recognize the importance for the fans. This represents more than a simple match.

The 36-year-old German has been praising 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 work so long in this business and achieve success.

I am just at the beginning of my career. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point but the good thing is we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can bring via our selections in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect a massive occasion this Sunday. To participate in such a match, the stakes are extremely high. Success secures a final place, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for a great, great game.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The temporary Celtic boss has recently been recalling regarding his initial encounter with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Certainly, matching that achievement may prove quite arduous, netting six times against that side. I would take a scrappy single-goal triumph if we managed to secure it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was a fantastic encounter', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their ancestors and parents spoke about it regularly. It transformed into a crucial game for us, not just that season, but possibly for sustained development.

The anxiety for approximately three days beforehand, and then if you got the result, tremendous relief. And I think that's what the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. However these were magnificent contests really. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This represents an important match for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for us. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, but particularly given the circumstances of the recent days, if not recent weeks, certainly.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches leading their teams today but there's a big gap in rivalry knowledge separating them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his twenty-eighth.

Today's result may substantially affect regarding the tenure O'Neill's second spell as temporary Celtic manager persists, as Ewan Murray has been pondering.

The club might spend five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They might consider a larger risk involving Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste of British football. These constitute chances in different manners. 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.

Reserves: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Osmand, McCowan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.

Marcelo Sarrachi begins instead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest also drops out from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk during the week.

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 receives preference instead of Max Aarons on the right, including Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard chosen to Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Match Preview

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