Martin O’Neill makes just one change to the Celtic side that beat Falkirk on Wednesday for today’s League Cup semi-final at Hampden.
Daizen Maeda replaces James Forrest on the right wing to join Johnny Kenny and Sebastian Tounekti in attack.
Kieran Tierney is back in the squad but is on the bench with Saracchi starting at left-back.
O’Neill and Shaun Maloney have barely had any time to work with the players but everyone knows what is at stake today.
More than a cup final place will be decided, a win for Celtic will give the club some breathing space after a turbulent time on and off the park.
After struggling in recent Glasgow derbies Celtic fans are hoping that a more direct approach can bring rewards.
TROUBLED TIMES
At the end of August the two teams played out a drab goal-less draw at Ibrox. Since then both managers have moved on in different circumstances.
After 123 days that covered the close season Russell Martin was sacked with a record of five wins in 17 matches.
Brendan Rodgers was in charge of Celtic as recently as last Sunday but that was followed by a day of bizarre events
Rodgers II was over just before 10pm on Monday. Soon afterwards Dermot Desmond delivered a scathing verdict on the manager he had twice brought to Celtic.
ONWARDS
All of the issues at both clubs will be pushed aside at 2pm when Nick Walsh gets the match underway.
Strangely Steven McLean is on VAR duty with full time VAR official Andrew Dallas the assistant VAR.
Today’s match will be played to a finish with the winner returning to face St Mirren next month in the final.
CELTIC: Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Saracchi; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Maeda, Kenny, Tounekti
SUBS: Sinisalo, Yang, Balikwisha, McCowan, Osmand, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney
? This afternoon’s side to take on Celtic in the @PremSportsTV Cup Semi-Final.
? Team News | https://t.co/HSw5hlnkTh pic.twitter.com/KUXQjvKvwx
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) November 2, 2025
On the front foot right away camon u bhoys in green get in hh
Huns are there for the taking. Take them! COYBIG!!
They have the indian sign over us in recent times.
Can see this going to pens unless the MiBs see fit to get some in during the 90.
The keepers got to play well today he’s been dodgy for weeks up front maedas the man hh camon
Our B team striker is better than their £10m man
Get it up ye ye hun bassas
That is all they have got! A late penalty, to go to Extra-Time! That’s it!