Celtic versus Rangers FC – Scottish League Cup Semi-Final Clash

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The squads take the field into the noise, Hampden Park divided in two between blue and green. To earn the chance to play St Mirren FC here this December … the action begins.

Other Matches

Additional games: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham v Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the women's top division.

Regarding our coverage, approximately five minutes remain before the start at the national stadium!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this afternoon. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match in the last term when he distributed four dismissals and twelve cautions. Steer clear of confrontation.

Coaching Perspectives

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized recently that he's used to participating in other important local clashes as a coach, with Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick took over, our second game was at home against Dortmund. We won 4-0. It is always a booster if you win such a game. Additionally, in England's second tier in the Sheffield derby, I was involved in that as well. I recognize the importance to the supporters. This represents more than a simple match.

The young coach has been complimenting the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I think it is always great as a manager when you remain active for so many years in this business and achieve success.

I am just at the beginning of my career. I have substantial work ahead to come to this point but the good thing is we commence evenly matched, separate eras and we'll observe what we can demonstrate with our teams in this game.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect a big, big one on Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, it's all or nothing. You win, you go into the final, defeat means elimination. I think everything is on for a great, great game.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The stand-in manager has recently been recalling about his first meeting against Rangers 25 years ago, the memorable 6-2 victory.

Well, replicating that could be very challenging, netting six times against that side. I would take a scrappy single-goal triumph if we could get it. Certain supporters approach and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They inform me their ancestors and parents spoke about it regularly. It became a really pivotal match for our club, not only during that campaign, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours beforehand, and then if you got the result, tremendous relief. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith used to say about it as well, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures really. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This constitutes a significant fixture for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. 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, possibly even months, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches leading their teams today 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 gets ready to manage of his 28th.

This match's conclusion could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's second spell as (interim, for now) Celtic boss lasts, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They may attempt a larger risk on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions may opt to give Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge an initial experience of British football. These constitute chances in different manners. 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 features preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is additionally excluded from the first team that overcame Falkirk in their recent match.

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 is selected ahead of Max Aarons on the right, with Mohamed Diomande coming in for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard preferred instead of Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Preamble

Greetings and welcome to the Old Firm. It ought to be superior {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus