Off the high of a midweek European onslaught, Celtic return to domestic action to face John McGlynn’s Falkirk. Just one match stands in their way as they bid for a return to Hampden. Although the Bairns will be no easy task, they areunbeaten in their last forty-three matches after all. Here on Last Word on Football, we provide our Celtic Predicted lineup for Sunday afternoon.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Falkirk
How Celtic have lined up recently
There has been little rotation in the East End of Glasgow, however with the schedule now heating up that is likely to change. The back five has remained unchanged with Kasper Schmeichel in between the sticks and Alistair Johnson, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor sitting in front. This combination has conceded just two goals in six matches all season, and none in league action.
In the midfield, Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor have been main-stays with Paulo Bernardo and Arne Engels enjoying game time since Matt O’Riley exited. Although it is the Belgian international who has started the previous two games, scoring as many goals from the spot.
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Nicolas Kuhn, Kyogo and Daizen Maeda have been the favoured front three, with brilliant chemistry struck between the lightning-quick trio.
Although, we could see as many as ten changes this weekend. As risky as it sounds, there is major depth at Celtic, they can afford to do so.
Celtic Recent Form and Tactics
The Champions are in as good a place as ever. Five points in front of their rivals; four out of four clean sheets in the league, the standard has been impeccable.
Yet, domestic domination has become the norm in the past thirteen seasons. Progress in Europe is the next step. On Wednesday night, they dispatched Slovakian Champions Slovan Bratislava by five goals to one. With Scales, Kyogo, Engels, Maeda and Idah all on the scoresheet plus Engels, Kuhn, Hatate and Forrest all grabbing assists, the attacking depth was on display.
It was the first time Celtic won their opening game at the group/league stage of the Champions League, and with nine points likely enough, they have an excellent opportunity to progress. Against the likes of Club Brugge and Young Boys at home, you have to fancy them.
Read More: Celtic’s route to Champions League Play-Offs
Tactically, the in-possession game hasn’t changed a whole lot. Typically, Brendan Rodgers’ men have played a 4-3-3, although we saw a variation in the Rangers home game with Bernardo playing deeper to form a 4-2-3-1 at times.
Out of possession, the hoops have usually pressed with a front three, although at times been in a 4-4-2 shape with Hatate joining Kyogo.
Injuries to Consider
Johnson was absent from training, with Brendan Rodgers confirming he was one of a few who had picked up niggles in the game midweek.
Celtic Predicted Lineup
There will be a range of changes, just McGregor will keep his place. This fixture will have been earmarked to give starts to the likes of Auston Trusty, Luke McCowan and Alex Valle. Meanwhile, a rest is afforded to the likes of Hatate, Johnson and Carter-Vickers.
- Viljami Sinisalo
- Anthony Ralston
- Stephen Welsh
- Auston Trusty
- Alex Valle
- Callum McGregor
- Paulo Bernardo
- Luke McCowan
- James Forrest
- Adam Idah
- Luis Palma
