Celtic FC versus Rangers – Scottish League Cup Last-Four Showdown

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The squads take the field to a thunderous reception, Hampden Park divided in two with blue and green sections. For the right to face St Mirren FC in this stadium in December … the action begins.

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Other football: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury has all the latest from the day's opening matches in the Women's Super League.

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

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh takes charge this afternoon. He previously officiated the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers and a Europa League match in the last term where he showed four sending-offs and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Manager Insights

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has made it clear recently that he's familiar with taking part in other significant derbies as a coach, at Bayern Munich and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We secured a 4-0 victory. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. Furthermore, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I recognize the importance to the supporters. This represents more than a simple match.

The young coach has been praising 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I have tremendous respect for such a coaching career. I believe it's always impressive as a manager when you sustain your career over decades in this field and accomplish your objectives.

I am just at the beginning of my career. I have substantial work ahead to reach that level however the positive aspect we commence evenly matched, separate eras and we'll discover what we can demonstrate through our squads in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I have had some experience though I anticipate a massive occasion on Sunday. To participate in such a match, the stakes are extremely high. Success secures a final place, defeat means elimination. I believe all factors align for a great, great game.

Rival Coach

The Celtic manager: The stand-in manager has recently been recalling concerning his debut match versus their rivals 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Well, replicating that may prove quite arduous, netting six times against that side. I would accept a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Certain supporters approach and inform me: 'That was a great game', though they weren't alive then. They relate to me their family members were talking about it. It transformed into a crucial game for us, not merely in that term, but probably for continuing on.

The anxiety for approximately three days beforehand, and then if you got the result, tremendous relief. And I think that's what the legendary Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. But they were fantastic fixtures truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for us. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's a big match for us. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, but particularly given the situation of the recent days, if not weeks, absolutely.

Dugout History

Two fresh managers leading their teams today though there's a significant difference in Old Firm experience among them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee of his 28th.

Today's result may substantially affect on how long O'Neill's second spell as (interim, for now) Celtic boss persists, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

They could potentially invest five million pounds in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions might choose to offer Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen an initial experience within British soccer. These represent risks in their own way. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

Starting Lineups

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 in the left-back position. James Forrest is additionally excluded of the XI that defeated Falkirk during the week.

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, including Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas with Thelo Aasgaard favored instead of Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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