Third consecutive Celtic v Rangers semi-final promising to be a cracker

William Hill Scottish Cup Semi-Final
Celtic v Rangers
Sunday, 15 April 2018, kick-off 2.30pm
Hampden Park Glasgow

For the third year in a row, Celtic and Rangers face off in the semi-final at Hampden Park.

In 2016, Rangers defeated their rivals in a dramatic penalty shoot-out before Celtic progressed to last year’s finals by winning 2-0.

Celtic are currently enjoying a dominant spell against Rangers and are undefeated in their last nine encounters.

Team news

Celtic have been boosted by the return of Kieran Tierney and Craig Gordon from injury recently.

Gordon made his return in the 0-0 draw with Dundee last midweek while Kieran Tierney played in the 2-1 win over Hamilton Accies.

Also at Hamilton Leigh Griffiths continued his return from injury, celebrating it with the winning goal against Accies.

Andy Halliday could force his way into Graeme Murty’s starting side after an impressive second-half run-out against Dundee in a comprehensive win last weekend.

Kenny Miller and Ross McCrorie also both began that game as they look to continue their place in the starting line-up.

Josh Windass has returned to training ahead of the game. He limped off during the draw with Motherwell on 31 March.

Pre-match thoughts

Brendan Rodgers said: “I’m very excited. These are always tense games but in the main we’ve always played well at Hampden and been very good, so hopefully we can have a similar performance and a similar result to each of the times we’ve been there.

“In those types of games we have normally performed well, which you want to do, so this weekend we’ll take that confidence into it.

“You always pay attention in these games as they are tense matches but we want to go in and play our football, and at least now we have a free week to get ready and prepare for that.”

Graeme Murty said: “The remit for this season was to close the gap and we have done that.

“The next step is to win the game. If we do that we’ll begin to instill belief in our players and supporters that we are getting closer.

“I believe we can cause any team in this country problems when we have the ball. It’s about ensuring we concentrate for the full 90 minutes and perform a complete game with and without the ball.

“I’ve watched the last match against Celtic lots because there is lots to learn and lots of improvements to be made. They are also many positives to take from that game."

Roads to the SeMI-final

Celtic’s journey to Hampden began with a thumping 5-0 win over Brechin City.

Partick Thistle were the next visitors to Celtic Park and the hosts won 3-2 where James Forrest stole the show with a hat-trick.

Brendan Rodgers’ side then secured their place at Hampden with a 3-0 win over Greenock Morton.

Rangers' first match in the cup this year was a visit to Bellslea Park when they overcame Fraserburgh 3-0.

Next up was a trip to Somerset Park and a comfortable 6-1 victory over Ayr United followed.

A Jason Cummings hat-trick helped seal a 4-1 win over Falkirk and sealed Rangers’ spot in the last four.

Where to watch the game?

Sky Sports will be showing the game live and BBC Scotland will have a highlights programme on Sunday evening.

Visit livesoccertv.com to find out what channels the game will be shown across the world.

Test your Celtic v Rangers Scottish Cup knowledge

Celtic

Can you name all of the Scottish players (as defined by FIFA eligibility rules) to have scored for the Hoops in either a Scottish Cup Semi-Final or Final since 2000? We've given you the round and the year that the goals were scored as a hint.

Celtic quiz

Rangers

Can you name all of the Scottish players (as defined by FIFA eligibility rules) to have scored for the Gers in either a Scottish Cup Semi-Final or Final since 2000? We've given you the round and the year that the goals were scored as a hint.

Rangers quiz

Match officials

Referee: Bobby Madden
Assistants: David McGeachie, Graeme Stewart
Additional Assistants: Don Robertson, Nick Walsh
Fourth Official: Steven McLean

Travel advice

Supporters attending the matches are to be aware of Police Scotland's Travel Advice.

Please note Aitkenhead Road is now open again.

Celtic v Rangers travel advice

Matchday programme

Priced £3, the official matchday programme features interviews with Chris Davies, Jimmy Nicholl, Callum McGregor and James Tavernier.