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

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The players head out into the noise, Hampden divided in two into blue and green. To earn the chance to face St Mirren FC in this stadium next month … here we go.

Other Matches

Other football: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage 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, approximately five minutes remain before the game begins at Hampden!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final involving Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture last season when he distributed four red cards and 12 yellows. Don't cross him.

Dugout Views

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly this week that he's familiar with being involved in other significant derbies in his coaching career, at Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation following success in these encounters. Furthermore, in the EFL Championship in the Sheffield derby, I participated there too. I know what it means to the supporters. This represents more than a simple match.

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

I feel a big respect for such a managerial journey. I believe it's always impressive as a manager when you work so long in this field and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my coaching path. I have a lot of work to do to achieve similar status however the positive aspect we begin level, distinct coaching generations and we'll observe what we can bring with our teams in this encounter.

I am very excited. I have had some experience though I anticipate a massive occasion this Sunday. To be involved in this fixture, the stakes are extremely high. Victory means reaching the final, a loss ends your participation. I feel all elements converge for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The Celtic interim manager has recently been recalling concerning his debut match with Rangers 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that might be extremely difficult, putting six past them against that side. I would accept a scrappy single-goal triumph if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers spoke about it regularly. It transformed into a crucial game for our club, not merely in that term, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours beforehand, and then if you got the result, a great relief. And I think that's what the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that it was relief more than anything else. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This represents an important match for our team. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final encounter, it's a big match for our side. Each encounter between these rivals constitutes a significant occasion, however specifically because of the circumstances of the past few days, if not recent weeks, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two new managers leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in Old Firm experience between them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as Rangers manager while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge of his 28th.

Today's result may substantially affect on the duration O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss persists, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They could take an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste in British football. These constitute chances in different manners. Beyond O'Neill? This is debatable.

Team Selections

Celtic (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 starts preferred to Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest also drops out 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.

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

James Tavernier receives preference over Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in taking Connor Barron's suspended place in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard chosen to Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Preamble

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