Viljami Sinisalo to start: Celtic predicted XI to face Falkirk
Celtic begin the defence of their Scottish League Cup title at home to Falkirk on Friday.
The Hoops beat the newly-promoted Premiership side 5-2 in last season’s quarter-final, before thrashing Aberdeen 6-0 and beating Rangers on penalties after a 3-3 draw to claim their 22nd title.
It’s a tough round-of-16 tie compared to some of Scotland’s other big hitters, with Rangers facing Alloa Athletic at home and Aberdeen travelling to Greenock Morton.
However, Brendan Rodgers’ side will be expected to come through without too much fuss. Celtic have already seen off St. Mirren and Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership, and confidence is high.
So, how will they approach the match?
Celtic predicted XI vs Falkirk
Celtic have a vital Champions League qualifier against Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan on the horizon, and Rodgers is sure to give that match a higher priority.
With that in mind, expect plenty of rotation against the Bairns, though there is also one enforced absentee.
Portuguese forward Jota is sidelined long-term with an ACL injury, and he’s not expected back until January 2026 at the earliest.
Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo will hope to get his first appearance of the season, with Kasper Schmeichel manning the posts in league play so far.
Meanwhile, the likes of Auston Trusty and Anthony Ralston could come into the line-up having come off the bench against Aberdeen last time out.
Celtic to breeze through despite Champions League distractions
Clearly, Celtic’s Champions League qualifier at home against Kairat Almaty on Wednesday takes priority over this match. However, there is never a free pass at a club of this magnitude, and supporters would love to see their side clinch a domestic treble this season to further rub Rangers’ noses in it.
Falkirk isn’t exactly the easiest start to a League Cup campaign, with many of Celtic’s rivals facing lower league opposition.
That said, in the only two meetings between these sides since 2012, Celtic have won both by an 8-2 combined scoreline, and nothing less than a comfortable win will go down well with fans.
Even a rotated Celtic side has bags of quality, with full internationals Trusty and Ralston able to come in, not to mention a player of Paulo Bernardo’s class.
There is the possibility of other distractions taking Celtic’s eye off the ball, but it’s very unlikely.
Prediction: Celtic 2-0 Falkirk