Free-flowing Celtic scripted an incredible 5-1 Champions League victory against Slovan Bratislava ahead of hosting Falkirk in the League Cup quarterfinal. They have maintained an all-win streak across competitions and the Bairns would face an uphill battle on Sunday afternoon despite a flying start in the second tier.
Currently leading the league standings, Falkirk have won all their games in the Scottish Championship. They also grabbed an incredible 2-0 win against Hearts in the previous round, but the test will be sternest this weekend as the Hoops are aiming for a domestic ‘treble’ under Brendan Rodgers.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Falkirk
Defence
Despite tying down Viljami Sinisalo and retaining Scott Bain, veteran Kasper Schmeichel should continue as the Celts ‘number 1’. He has emerged as a like-for-like replacement for Joe Hart who hung up his gloves at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Celtic have a busy schedule in the coming weeks including a tricky Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund at Westfalenstadion. Rodgers should utilize his squad depth and opt for a few changes in the defensive third. Anthony Ralston deserves a start having featured as a substitute for Alistair Johnston, also, Auston Trusty could make his full debut in deep defence replacing his fellow countryman Cameron Carter-Vickers. The USMNT centre-half could partner with Liam Scales who has cemented a first-team role ahead of Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh. Álex Valle, on loan from Barcelona, remains an option down the left if the gaffer decides to rest the ever-present Greg Taylor.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor has been majestic as a deep-lying playmaker. His mastery in midfield should help Celtic maintain their supremacy in the middle of the park. The Scotsman would operate from the base allowing the ‘number 8s’ to make down-the-middle runs and offer creative spark in and around the attacking third. After back-to-back impressive cameos, Luke McCowan could finally secure a starting status. Paulo Bernardo might return to the centre of the pitch in place of the preferred pair of Arne Engels and Reo Hatate.
Attack
