Celtic versus Rangers FC – Scottish League Cup Semi-Final

Live Updates

The squads take the field amid the roar, Hampden divided in two into blue and green. For the opportunity to face St Mirren here this December … here we go.

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

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this match. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final between Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture the previous campaign when he distributed four red cards and a dozen bookings. Avoid challenging him.

Coaching Perspectives

The Rangers manager: While this is his first Old Firm, the new Rangers manager has emphasized recently that he's accustomed to being involved in other significant derbies in his coaching career, during his time at Bayern and with Sheffield Wednesday.

I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our subsequent fixture was versus Dortmund at home. We secured a 4-0 victory. It always provides a lift when you triumph in such matches. As well, in England's second tier during the Steel City derby, I participated there too. I understand the significance for the fans. This is more than just a game.

The 36-year-old German has been praising 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I have tremendous respect for such a coaching career. I think it is always great as a manager when you remain active for so many years in this industry and achieve success.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to reach that level but the good thing is we begin level, separate eras and we'll observe what we can contribute via our selections in this encounter.

I'm tremendously excited. I have had some experience though I anticipate a big, big one during Sunday's match. To be involved in this fixture, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, a loss ends your participation. I believe all factors align for an outstanding match.

Counterpart Perspective

The Celtic manager: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing concerning his debut match against Rangers a quarter-century ago, the famous 6-2 demolition.

Now, repeating that performance might be extremely difficult, scoring six goals against those opponents. I'd settle for a really lousy 1-0 victory should we achieve it. Certain supporters approach and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They tell me their grandfathers and fathers were talking about it. It became a really pivotal match for our team, not only during that campaign, but likely for future progress.

The tension for nearly 72 hours beforehand, and subsequently if you achieved victory, tremendous relief. And I believe that's exactly the great Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that relief outweighed other emotions. However these were magnificent contests really. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This is a big game for us. Really, don't disguise that at all. It's a semi-final, it's a crucial contest for us. Any Celtic-Rangers game represents a major event, but particularly given the conditions of the recent days, if not weeks, definitely.

Managerial Experience

Two fresh managers on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in Old Firm experience separating them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as Rangers manager whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his 28th such match.

The outcome today could have a major impact on how long O'Neill's comeback as (interim, for now) Celtic boss continues, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

The club might spend substantial compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They may attempt a larger risk with Robbie Keane. The title holders might choose to offer Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity within British soccer. These constitute chances in different manners. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

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 features preferred to Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest also drops out from the first team that defeated Falkirk in their recent match.

Rangers (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 ahead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, featuring Mohamed Diomande replacing the banned Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard chosen to Mikey Moore in attack.

Opening Context

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