Celtic and Falkirk face off at Celtic Park on Sunday, in a Scottish Premiership encounter.
The Scottish champions are currently sitting on third position in the table with 45 points from 23 matches, nine behind league leaders Hearts, though with a game in hand.
Celtic vs Falkirk – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 1st February.
- Kick-off: 3pm BST.
- Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow.
Celtic team news
Celtic face significant injury concerns ahead of the match, with manager Martin O’Neill contending with multiple absentees. Auston Trusty will serve a one-match suspension following his red card dismissal against Hearts.
Defender Alistair Johnston is sidelined with a hamstring injury and is not expected to return until early March 2026. Callum Osmand, who sustained a similar hamstring and soft tissue injury, is also projected to return around early March.
Cameron Carter-Vickers remains effectively ruled out for the remainder of the season with an Achilles tendon injury, with no expected return until after the campaign concludes. Jota continues his rehabilitation from a muscle or ACL issue.
On a positive note, midfielder Benjamin Nygren has been in scintillating form, scoring his 14th goal of the season in Celtic’s 4-2 Europa League victory over FC Utrecht on 30 January.
The Swedish midfielder netted after just six minutes against the Dutch side and has emerged as Celtic’s creative force. New loan signing Tomas Cvancara made his debut in the Hearts clash and is available for selection. Kasper Schmeichel will continue between the posts after making crucial saves in the recent draw against Hearts.
Falkirk team news
The Bairns have named a strong squad for the match, with goalkeeper Scott Bain established in goal.
Defender Liam Henderson leads the backline, whilst midfielder Brad Spencer and Dylan Tait provide creativity from midfield. Barney Stewart scored a hat-trick in Falkirk’s recent demolition of Hibernian and will look to continue his attacking threat.
However, Falkirk will be without several key players. Filip Lissah (injury), Gary Oliver (injury), and Ross MacIver (injury) are all unavailable for selection. The loss of these players, particularly in defence and midfield, could hamper their ability to contain Celtic’s attack.
Form
Celtic
Celtic concluded their Europa League group stage campaign with a triumphant 4-2 victory over FC Utrecht on 30 January, securing passage to the playoff round after finishing 21st in the Europa League group table.
Before the Europa League success, the Hoops drew 2-2 with Hearts at Tynecastle Park on 25 January, a match that saw them reduced to ten men following Trusty’s controversial red card dismissal.
Falkirk
Falkirk’s impressive 4-1 demolition of Hibernian on 24 January represents their best performance of the season and demonstrates the attacking prowess manager John McGlynn has instilled in his squad.
The Bairns are currently in sixth position in the Premiership with 33 points from 23 matches, having cemented their top-six credentials. Before the Hibernian masterclass, Falkirk managed a 1-1 draw against Hearts in the Scottish Cup fourth round on 17 January, progressing on penalties with a 5-4 victory.
Predicted lineups
Celtic: Schmeichel; Araujo, Murray, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, Nygren; Hyun-Jun, Cvancara, Maeda.
Falkirk: Bain; Adams, Allan, Henderson, McCann; Spencer, Tait; Wilson, Yeats, Miller; Stewart.
How to watch Celtic vs Falkirk?
In the United Kingdom, supporters can follow the match on Sky Sports.
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