Celtic head into a cup tie full of questions as they aim to defend the trophy they lifted last season, having been ousted at the same stage a year earlier. Their opponents are Falkirk, the Scottish Premiership newcomers steered by former Celtic scout John McGlynn, who has steered the Bairns to back-to-back promotions from League One and the Championship.
With progress in the cup and a looming Champions League play-off against Kairat Almaty on the horizon, Brendan Rodgers faces a delicate balancing act in naming his starting XI. The sense is this could be a night of experimentation and rotation as Celtic juggle domestic silverware with European ambitions.
In goal, Kasper Schmeichel will be keen to prove against his former club, but Rodgers could decide to hand Viljami Sinisalo more minutes after his promising displays in the number one shirt last season. The decision between experience and development will be telling as Celtic look to maintain a tight back line while protecting key players for midweek commitments.
Defensively, there is uncertainty over Kieran Tierney’s involvement, given the need to protect him for Wednesday’s first leg in Europe. The options include shifting Liam Scales to left-back or handing Hayato Inamura a competitive debut in the full-back role. The back four choices could shape how solid Celtic are at the outset of the night.
In the centre of the park, Auston Trusty has already made an impression with his cameos and could stake a claim to start, while Jahmai Simpson-Pusey remains in the mix as he continues his loan spell after joining from Manchester City. The right flank could see Anthony Ralston return to action, potentially replacing Alistair Johnston as Rodgers weighs the best balance of energy and service down the wing.
Midfield is where the selector’s dilemma truly shows. Celtic boast a wealth of options, and this match may become a platform for players like Arne Engels, Luke McCowan, and Paulo Bernardo to stake their claims after limited minutes since returning to the squad this summer. The engine room could become a showcase for depth rather than a fixed lineup.
Wide areas look set to be a stretch for Celtic, with Yang Hyun-jun and Daizen Maeda likely to feature as the visitors try to stretch Falkirk’s defensive shape. Up front, a trio of possibilities—Adam Idah, Johnny Kenny, and Shin Yamada—gives Rodgers flexibility in the final third and a chance to field different attacking textures depending on the game situation.
What unfolds tonight will be watched closely by those inside the club and supporters alike. Rodgers has a clear task: defend a cup by leaning on a blend of established performers and emerging talents, while ensuring his squad remains fresh for the European tie that could shape Celtic’s season.
Summary: Celtic’s lineup decisions promise a blend of experience and opportunity, with Schmeichel or Sinisalo in goal, Tierney’s role under scrutiny, and a raft of midfielders and attackers contending for places as Rodgers navigates a cup clash against Falkirk on the eve of a crucial European play-off.
A hopeful note: the breadth of options at Rodgers’ disposal could strengthen Celtic over the long run, giving him the latitude to rotate without compromising performance in all competitions. Players like Simpson-Pusey and Sinisalo appear primed to gain valuable minutes, which could pay dividends as the season progresses.