Celtic face Falkirk this evening in the first post-split fixture. The teams were both separately involved at Hampden last weekend with Celtic progressing to the showpiece Final whilst Dunfermline progressed at the expense of John McGlynn’s team.
Martin O’Neill’s side were not at their slick best in the extra time win against St Mirren but showed glimpses of intensity, which will please the support and manager. There’s one standout that should be in the team – Kelechi Iheanacho.
Vil Sinisalo will start between the sticks. A couple of errors with the ball at his feet at Hampden went unpunished and the Finnish stopper will be keen for a quieter evening.
Liam Scales with Viljami Sinisalo. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Liam Scales, who signed a new long term deal yesterday, is expected to come back into the team at the expense of Benjamin Arthur. The Irish International will likely partner Auston Trusty with Tony Ralston continuing at right back after impressing last weekend. There is an argument for Marcelo Saracchi to start over Kieran Tierney, simply to manage the minutes of KT.
In midfield, expect Arne Engels to start alongside Callum McGregor and the likeliest third midfielder is Benji Nygren. The Swedish international is a frustrating player at times but having netted 20 goals, he is expected to continue.
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
In attack, there are strong arguments to start Kelechi Iheanacho and James Forrest but the manager may opt with just Iheanacho through the middle with Maeda out wide alongside Yang, allowing Forrest and Tounekti to make an impact off the bench.
