Celtic v Rangers – Scottish Cup Semi-Final Clash

Live Updates

The squads take the field amid the roar, Hampden split down the middle into blue and green. To earn the chance to meet St Mirren at this venue this December … here we go.

Other Matches

More matches: John Brewin is on our minute-by-minute coverage for West Ham vs Newcastle in the EPL; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the WSL.

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

Referee Information

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle this afternoon. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers and a continental game in the last term during which he issued four red cards and twelve cautions. Steer clear of confrontation.

Dugout Views

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly this week that he's used to participating in other significant derbies as a coach, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recall when Hansi Flick assumed control, our following match was versus Dortmund at home. We won 4-0. It consistently offers motivation if you win such a game. As well, in the Championship in the Steel derby, I participated there too. I know what it means to the supporters. This is more than just a game.

The 36-year-old German has also been lauding 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 sustain your career over decades in this field and achieve success.

I am just at the beginning my professional journey. I have substantial work ahead to achieve similar status though the encouraging factor we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and let's see what we can contribute with our teams in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences yet I foresee a big, big one this Sunday. To be part of such a game, the stakes are extremely high. You win, you go into the final, you lose, you're out. I think everything is on for an outstanding match.

Rival Coach

Martin O'Neill: The stand-in manager has been reflecting this week about his first meeting with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, scoring six goals against those opponents. I would accept a scrappy single-goal triumph if we could get it. Some lads come up and say to me: 'That was a great game', and they weren't even born. They inform me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our team, not merely in that term, but likely for future progress.

The tension for nearly 72 hours prior to the match, and then if you got the result, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the legendary Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that it was relief more than anything else. However these were magnificent contests truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This represents an important match for our team. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final encounter, it's an important game for our squad. Every Old Firm match represents a major event, though especially considering the circumstances of recent times, if not recent weeks, certainly.

Dugout History

Two different coaches in the dugouts today though there's a significant difference in Old Firm experience among them. Danny Röhl is experiencing his first leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage his 28th such match.

The outcome today might significantly influence regarding the tenure O'Neill's second spell as temporary Celtic manager continues, as Ewan Murray has considered.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to lure Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take a larger risk on Robbie Keane. The title holders may opt to give Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge an initial experience of British football. These represent risks in their own way. Beyond 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 begins ahead of Kieran Tierney in the left-back position. James Forrest is also omitted of the XI that overcame Falkirk in their recent match.

Rangers FC (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 side, featuring Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Match Preview

Greetings and welcome to the Old Firm. It's got to be better {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus