Talking points as Celtic face Old Firm foes Rangers in Scottish Cup semi-final

Preparations have been markedly different for both sides and there are lots of subplots around the game.

Published Apr 16, 2022

Celtic take on Old Firm rivals Rangers in a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the main talking points ahead of another keenly awaited derby clash.

Fatigue factor

Celtic celebrate scoring past St Johnstone — Celtic scored seven goals past St Johnstone in their last outing (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Fifty-fifty fans

Celtic supporters in the stands — The fans are back (Ian Rutherford/PA)

Kyogo to start?

Kyogo Furuhashi participation could be key for Celtic (Steve Welsh/PA)

Implications of winning and losing

Rangers celebrate winning the Scottish Cup in 2009 — Rangers last won the Scottish Cup in 2009, beating Falkirk in the final (Lynne Cameron/PA)

What does the form say?

Rangers were boosted on Thursday when they beat Braga to secure a the Europa League semi-final tie against RB Leipzig. The 3-1 win after extra-time followed a 4-0 win at St Mirren last Sunday. However, the 2-1 defeat by Celtic at Ibrox the week before that is still fresh on the minds of Rangers players and fans. The Hoops have not lost a domestic game since going down at Livingston last September and are looking unstoppable, evidenced by their mauling of St Johnstone last Saturday.