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

Live Feed

The players head out into the noise, Hampden separated evenly into blue and green. For the right to face St Mirren in this stadium next month … it all kicks off.

Additional Fixtures

Additional games: John Brewin provides live updates for West Ham v Newcastle in England's top flight; Yara El-Shaboury brings the newest developments from the initial games in the WSL.

As for us, there's just over five minutes before the start at the national stadium!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge this match. He also refereed last year's Scottish Cup final involving Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture last season when he distributed four red cards and twelve cautions. Don't cross him.

Coaching Perspectives

Danny Röhl: Although this marks his initial Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has stated clearly this week that he's familiar with participating in other significant derbies during his managerial journey, at Bayern Munich plus his stint at Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick took over, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We secured a 4-0 victory. It consistently offers motivation if you win such a game. Additionally, in the Championship in the Sheffield derby, I was also part [of it] there. I recognize the importance among the followers. This is more than just a game.

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

I have tremendous respect for that type of coaching legacy. I believe it's always impressive for a coach when you remain active for so many years in this field and you are successful.

I'm only starting out of my career. There's much work remaining to reach that level however the positive aspect we begin level, different generations and we'll observe what we can bring through our squads in this encounter.

I'm tremendously excited. I've accumulated certain experiences yet I foresee an enormous event during Sunday's match. To participate in such a match, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, a loss ends your participation. I think everything is on for a magnificent contest.

Rival Coach

The Celtic manager: The Celtic interim manager has been reflecting this week about his first meeting with Rangers a quarter-century ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement could be very challenging, netting six times against that side. I would accept an unattractive 1-0 win if we managed to secure it. Various individuals tell me and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', though they weren't alive then. They tell me their family members were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not only during that campaign, but probably for continuing on.

The anxiety for approximately three days before, and then should you secure success, a great relief. And I believe that's exactly the renowned Walter Smith often mentioned too, that it was relief more than anything else. However these were magnificent contests genuinely. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This constitutes a significant fixture for us. Honestly, don't conceal that fact. It's a semi-final, it's a big match for us. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, though especially considering the conditions of the recent days, possibly even months, certainly.

Coaching Background

Two fresh managers on the sidelines this afternoon though there's a significant difference in rivalry knowledge among them. Danny Röhl encounters his inaugural as the Rangers boss whereas Martin O'Neill prepares to oversee his twenty-eighth.

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 considered.

They could potentially invest substantial compensation to coax Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. They may attempt an even bigger gamble on Robbie Keane. The reigning champions might choose to offer Club Brugge's Nicky Hayen a debut opportunity in British football. These constitute chances to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This remains questionable.

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 features instead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest is also omitted from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk in their recent match.

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 ahead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, including Mohamed Diomande for the suspended Connor Barron in midfield and Thelo Aasgaard preferred to Mikey Moore in attack.

Match Preview

Greetings and welcome to this derby match. It ought to be superior {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus