Falkirk can move into the Scottish Premiership's top five with a positive result when they host leaders Celtic on Sunday. The Bairns are on a three-game winning run, their best top-flight sequence since 2007, and sit sixth on 15 points after 11 matches. Their recent form is built on a solid defence and clinical finishing, having scored 13 goals while conceding 12 this season. The team's average of 1.18 goals per game will be tested against the league's best defence.
Martin O’Neill, the Celtic manager, acknowledged his side must improve. "We clearly have to show an improvement on Wednesday night, that's a given," he said. Celtic's lead at the summit could be stretched to seven points with a victory, but they have dropped points in their last three domestic outings. Falkirk manager John McGlynn will look to exploit any uncertainty in the visitors' midfield, which could be missing key personnel. McGlynn highlighted his team's recent performances, noting they have averaged 2.5 goal minutes per game during their winning streak, a key metric of their attacking efficiency.
Falkirk's recent surge includes a 3-0 victory over Kilmarnock and a 1-0 win at Aberdeen last weekend. Jacob Murrell, the club's top scorer with five goals this season, will be a central threat. The team's fixtures schedule now presents its toughest test yet against the reigning champions. Celtic arrive with a formidable record against Falkirk, having won the last eight meetings including a 2-1 victory at Celtic Park in August. However, their defence is unsettled. Auston Trusty is absent and Cameron Carter-Vickers is a doubt for the artificial surface at Falkirk Stadium. O’Neill is expected to field a 4-3-3 formation, with changes from the side that drew with Dundee United.
In contrast, Falkirk's midfield trio of Brad Spencer, Deniss Melniks, and Finley Barbrook remains intact and will be key. The home side made one enforced change for this match, with Leon McCann missing due to a thigh injury and Scott Tanser coming in. Ryan Strain, who has provided five assists this campaign, will look to supply the forwards from the right flank. Strain's creativity has been key, contributing to nearly half of Falkirk's league goals.
Falkirk's league position of sixth reflects a team finding its feet in the top division. A win against Celtic would not only close the 13-point gap to the leaders but also signal a genuine push for European qualification. The match kicks off at 12:30 on Sunday at Falkirk Stadium. The plastic pitch, a topic of discussion in the build-up, may influence the tempo and team selections, with Celtic's Carter-Vickers a particular concern due to the surface.
The original report is at Celtic Star Books
