Celtic versus Rangers – Scottish League Cup Semi-Final Clash

Live Updates

The teams emerge amid the roar, Hampden separated evenly into blue and green. For the opportunity to play St Mirren in this stadium in December … here we go.

Other Matches

More matches: John Brewin provides live updates for the West Ham-Newcastle clash in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the early kick-offs in the WSL.

As for us, we're only five minutes away until kick-off at the national stadium!

Officiating Team

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He previously officiated the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers plus a European fixture last season where he showed four red cards and 12 yellows. Steer clear of confrontation.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the recently appointed boss has emphasized recently that he's familiar with taking part in other significant derbies in his coaching career, during his time at Bayern plus his stint at Wednesday.

I can remember during Hansi Flick's appointment, our subsequent fixture took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It always provides a lift following success in these encounters. As well, in the EFL Championship in the Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I know what it means for the fans. This represents more than a simple match.

The young coach has been complimenting the enduring career of 73-year-old Martin O'Neill.

I feel a big respect for such a coaching career. I think it is always great as a manager when you work so long in this industry and achieve success.

I'm merely commencing my professional journey. There's much work remaining to reach that level though the encouraging factor we start at 0-0, separate eras and let's see what we can bring with our teams in this fixture.

I'm tremendously excited. I've gained some experience though I anticipate a big, big one on Sunday. To be part of such a game, everything is at stake. Success secures a final place, you lose, you're out. I believe all factors align for a great, great game.

Opposition Manager

Martin O'Neill: The temporary Celtic boss has this week been reminiscing about his first meeting against Rangers 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Now, repeating that performance may prove quite arduous, netting six times against that side. I'd settle for a scrappy single-goal triumph if we could get it. Some lads come up and say to me: 'That was an amazing match', despite not being born at the time. They relate to me their family members discussed it frequently. It evolved into a decisive encounter for our team, not merely in that term, but possibly for sustained development.

The tension for nearly 72 hours prior to the match, and subsequently if you achieved victory, a great relief. And I feel that's precisely the legendary Walter Smith often mentioned too, that comfort surpassed other feelings. But they were fantastic fixtures truly. It's still a fantastic fixture.

This constitutes a significant fixture for our team. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a semi-final, it's an important game for our squad. Any Celtic-Rangers game constitutes a significant occasion, though especially considering the circumstances of the past few days, if not recent weeks, definitely.

Coaching Background

Two different coaches leading their teams today but there's a big gap in Old Firm experience between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut leading Rangers while Martin O'Neill gets ready to manage of his 28th.

Today's result might significantly influence on how long O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

Celtic could pay £5m in compensation to coax Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich. They could take a more significant chance with Robbie Keane. The title holders could decide to provide Nicky Hayen from Club Brugge a first taste within British soccer. These are all gambles in different manners. Beyond O'Neill? This is arguable.

Team Selections

Celtic FC (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 instead of Kieran Tierney on the left defensive flank. James Forrest also drops out from the starting lineup that defeated Falkirk in midweek.

Rangers (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 instead of Max Aarons on the right side, featuring Mohamed Diomande taking Connor Barron's suspended place in central areas and Thelo Aasgaard chosen to Mikey Moore in offensive positions.

Opening Context

Greetings and welcome to the Old Firm. It should be improved {than last time|compared to the previous meeting|versus