Midfield battle crucial as Celtic set for tough challenge at Falkirk

Midfield battle crucial as Celtic set for tough challenge at FalkirkFalkirk today will be a tough contest for Celtic, we clearly have to show an improvement on Wednesday night that’s a given…Martin O Neill, manager of Celtic look on Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 28 October 2026. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO ShutterstockCeltic face a tricky trip to Falkirk this lunchtime, one that’s sure to test the mettle of this current Celtic side who have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points.Falkirk looking for fourth straight winJohn McGlynn’s Bairns are now starting to enjoy yet another impressive campaign in the Scottish top flight, despite enduring a difficult start and currently occupy sixth place after winning their last three fixtures.Falkirk manager John McGlynn during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on August 29, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Celtic secured narrow win at Falkirk at start of 2026Last season we faced the Bairns on five occasions, with four of them in the home confides of Celtic Park, with the Hoops winning them all reasonably comfortably, but the solitary time we played at the Falkirk Stadium would prove to be a close encounter with Martin O’Neill’s side lucky to come away with a slender 1-0 win back at the beginning of this year.Benjamin Nygren of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on October 18, 2026 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Benjamin Nygren scored the winner on a night we seriously rode our luck, and in the end earned three points that proved incredibly valuable at the end of the season.Plastic surface is always a challengeFalkirk are a well organised side, and also play some nice football, a bit like Dundee United in midweek so it’s going to be a huge test for the champions on the Bairns’ plastic pitch.It will be difficult that we can be sure of, but we are more than capable of winning the game, and have the players capable of being the difference on the day. John McGlynn’s side will be looking to make it four wins in a row and like Jim Goodwin in midweek the Falkirk manager will be well aware of the Celtic weakness in the middle of the park and will be looking to exploit that this afternoon.Camilo Duran of Celtic during the UEFA Europa League match between Celtic FC and Celta Vigo at Celtic Park on October 22, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Camilo Duran and Mika Baur impressing for CelticGuys like Camilo Duran and the impressing with every game Mika Baur will be key to the champions getting a positive result, although doubts remain over the stability of our defence with Auston Trusty still absent due to personal issues, and Cameron Carter Vickers unlikely to be risked on the plastic surface.Mika Baur of Celtic is crowded out by Dundee United players Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 28 October 2026. Mark Runnacles IMAGO ShutterstockOne things for sure, we will need to see a major improvement on Wednesday night’s display, that’s a given.My predicted Celtic team (4-3-3)I reckon hat Martin O’Neill is likely to go with the following starting XI today at the Falkirk Stadium…Johstone; Donovan, Murray, Scales, Tierney; McGregor (c), Baur, Nygren; Hassan, Hogh and Duran.Let’s win in Celtic and open up a seven points gap.COYBIG!Just an Ordinary BhoyHAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…Celtic in the Fifties Volumes One and Two. Available now from celticstarbooks.com – click on image to orderQuick Tip –Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!CELTIC STAR BOOKS – We’ve covered three decades so far with more to follow…Christmas shopping ideas from Celtic Star Books. Click on image to shop