As a lifelong football fan, I'm absolutely buzzing for this weekend's Old Firm clash at Hampden Park. The Scottish League Cup semi-final between Celtic and Rangers is always massive, but this one feels particularly special with both managers seeking their first victory in this historic rivalry.

Martin O'Neill has hit the ground running since taking temporary charge of Celtic, delivering a convincing 4-0 win over Falkirk in his debut. The atmosphere around Celtic Park has been electric, and you can feel the buzz building ahead of Sunday's showdown. O'Neill's immediate impact has given the Hoops faithful reason to be optimistic.

On the Rangers side, Danny Rohl has been making waves with two wins from his first three games, including that crucial 1-0 victory at Hibernian during midweek. The Light Blues are finding their rhythm under the new gaffer, and the timing couldn't be better for this massive fixture.

Team News and Lineup Predictions:

Celtic:

• ✅ Big Boost: Kieran Tierney is set to return after missing the midweek game with a minor issue

• ✅ Welcome Back: Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate could both feature in the starting lineup

• ❌ Major Blow: Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kelechi Iheanacho and Jota all ruled out

Rangers:

• ❌ Suspended: Connor Barron misses out due to suspension after yellow cards in previous rounds

• ❌ Long-term: Dujon Sterling and Rabbi Matondo remain unavailable

• ⚠️ Positive News: Matondo is back in training and nearing a return

Manager's Corner:

O'Neill shared his thoughts in the pre-match press conference, emphasizing the importance of this fixture and the need for his players to step up. The temporary boss knows that an Old Firm victory could cement his position and give Celtic massive momentum heading into the business end of the season.

Rohl, meanwhile, provided a squad update and expressed confidence in his team's preparation. The Rangers manager understands the significance of this match and the opportunity to make an immediate statement against their arch-rivals.

Key Battles to Watch:

Why This Match Matters:

1. Bragging Rights 🏆 - The winner gets eternal glory in Glasgow

2. Managerial Legacies 👔 - Both bosses seeking their first Old Firm win

3. Wembley Dream ️ - A place in the League Cup final at stake

4. Season Momentum - Victory could define both teams' campaigns

My Prediction:

This has all the makings of a classic Old Firm encounter. Celtic's returning players give them an edge, but Rangers' recent form under Rohl can't be ignored. I'm expecting a tight, nervy affair with moments of quality deciding the outcome. Both teams will leave everything on the pitch, and the Hampden atmosphere will be absolutely bouncing.

Final Thought:

The Old Firm derby is more than just a football match - it's a cultural phenomenon that divides and unites Glasgow in equal measure. Sunday's semi-final represents another chapter in this incredible rivalry, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds. Regardless of the result, one thing's for sure: Scottish football will be talking about this one for weeks to come!