Celtic take on Falkirk on the return to league duty this afternoon, and Martin O’Neill will be looking to banish the horrors of the midweek capitulation in Linz by getting back to winning ways…
Celtic goal celebrations. Dundee Utd v Celtic, Premier Sports Cup, Saturday 15 August. Tannadice. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou
The Celtic boss aims to see his side keep up their one hundred percent start to the league campaign and in doing so open up an EIGHT points advantage on the Rangers who don’t play until tomorrow when they take on Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The Irishman has a few doubts over key players due to a combination of illness and injury.
Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Colby Donovan during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play off round second leg match between LASK and Celtic at on August 25, 2026 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Martin O’Neill yesterday revealed that skipper Callum McGregor missed training yesterday due to a stomach bug similar to the illness that floored Auston Trusty at the start of the week.
The skipper is touch and go for this afternoon, but with a two fixtures to negotiate in the next seven days, don’t be surprised to see the skipper rested.
Kasper Høgh of Celtic is seenduring the Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and Dundee at Celtic Park on August 03, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Cameron Carter Vickers, and Kasper Hogh who both picked up midweek knocks look set to feature after being spotted being put through their paces in training yesterday.
Auston Trusty who played 120 minutes in Linz despite being floored by a stomach bug in the days leading up to the clash, will most likely be rested against Falkirk.
Therefore our predicted XI for today’s tricky contest is as follows:
Celtic vs LASK, 19.August.2026 – UEFA Champions League, play-off, Celtic Glasgow vs Linzer ASK. Image shows Viljami Sinisalo Celtic. Photo: GEP pictures/Manuel Binder IMAGO
GK – Viljami Sinisalo – The Finn is undoubtedly the undisputed number one, at least until a new keeper is signed. A cert to start against the Bairns.
RB – Colby Donovan – The teenager is seen as the man to deputise for the injured Alistair Johnston, with Tony Ralston not seemingly fancied by O’Neill.
CB – Cameron Carter-Vickers – The big American looked drained after his midweek exertions, and now looks fit again after suffering from cramp which seen him withdrawn against LASK. But he’s a vital cog in our side, and will most likely start.
CB – Liam Scales – Auston Trusty looks likely to be rested, and the reliable left sided Scales is the natural stand in.
LB – Kieran Tierney – His fitness is constantly in question, especially after the midweek exertions in Linz. But we don’t have any other options, so the Scotland man is a certain starter.
UEFA Champions League, LASK vs Celtic Linz, Austria, 24.August 2026 – Champions League, play-off, Linzer ASK vs Celtic Glasgow, preview, press conference, Image shows Mika Baur Celtic. Photo GEPA pictures/ Manuel Binder IMAGO
CM – Mika Baur – The German has impressed on his few appearances so far, and could fill the void left by Callum McGregor if the skipper fails to start.
CM – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain -The Englishman hasn’t seen much action this campaign, but could well start against the Bairns.
CAM – Benjamin Nygren – Didn’t have the best to games in midweek, but then again who did? Four goals and as many assists this campaign will see him start.
9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Camilo Duran of Celtic applauds the fans. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou
RW – Camilo Duran – A subdued figure during the week, but his boundless energy, overall enthusiasm and eye for goal will guarantee him a starting slot against the Bairns.
LW – Yang – The South Korean is seen as something of a favourite of Martin O’Neill due to his work rate and creativity, and much like Duran should see him start against the Bairns.
ST – Kasper Hogh – The record signing had a torrid time against LASK, not helped by picking up a knock, but he’s shaken it off, and will be looking to get back on the goal trail as he aims to score his first goal at Celtic Park.
Expect to see Doohan, Trusty, Ralston, Murray, McCowan, Forrest, Osmand, Hatate, McGregor, Tounekti, Hassan and Kenny.
Enjoy the match.
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