Celtic versus Rangers FC – Scottish Cup Semi-Final Clash

Live Feed

The players head out to a thunderous reception, Hampden divided in two into blue and green. To earn the chance to meet St Mirren FC in this stadium next month … the action begins.

Additional Fixtures

Other football: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the early kick-offs in the Women's Super League.

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

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh is the man in the middle today. He was also the referee for the 2024 Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture in the last term when he distributed four dismissals and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: Despite this being his debut in this fixture, the new Rangers manager has emphasized this week that he's accustomed to taking part in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick assumed control, our subsequent fixture was at home against Dortmund. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift if you win such a game. As well, in the Championship during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I know what it means for the fans. 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 that type of coaching legacy. I think it is always great as a manager when you remain active for so many years in this business and accomplish your objectives.

I am just at the beginning my coaching path. There's much work remaining to come to this point however the positive aspect we start at 0-0, distinct coaching generations and we'll discover what we can contribute with our teams in this fixture.

I'm tremendously excited. I've gained some experience though I anticipate an enormous event this Sunday. To participate in such a match, it's all or nothing. Success secures a final place, a loss ends your participation. I think everything is on for an outstanding match.

Opposition Manager

The Celtic manager: The stand-in manager has this week been reminiscing about his first meeting against Rangers 25 years ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, putting six past them against that side. I'd settle for a really lousy 1-0 victory if we could get it. Some lads come up and mention to me: 'That was an amazing match', and they weren't even born. They tell me their ancestors and parents spoke about it regularly. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our team, not just that season, but probably for continuing on.

The tension for nearly 72 hours before, and then should you secure success, a great relief. And I feel that's precisely the renowned Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that comfort surpassed other feelings. Yet these represented superb matches truly. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's a big match for our squad. Every Old Firm match is a big game, though especially considering the circumstances of recent times, if not recent weeks, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two new managers on the sidelines this afternoon but there's a big gap in derby experience among them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge of his 28th.

The outcome today may substantially affect regarding the tenure O'Neill's second spell as (interim, for now) Celtic boss persists, as Ewan Murray has considered.

The club might spend substantial compensation to lure Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They may attempt a more significant chance on Robbie Keane. The title holders might choose to offer Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a first taste within British soccer. These represent risks in their own way. Beyond O'Neill? This is debatable.

Team Selections

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

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

James Tavernier is selected instead of Max Aarons on the right, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in the middle and Thelo Aasgaard chosen over Mikey Moore in attack.

Preamble

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