Celtic predicted XI vs Falkirk: Three changes from Europe disaster as stomach bug worry could sideline key man
Here’s how we think Martin O’Neill will set up his side in their Premiership clash with Falkirk
Celtic return to domestic action this weekend against Falkirk at home this weekend in their first fixture since Champions League elimination.
Manager Martin O’Neill took responsibility for the midweek capitulation in Austria against LASK Linz, as his side blew a four goal lead to end their Champions League dream. The Hoops boss is now tasked with lifting the spirits of his players ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
Of those who featured on Tuesday night, midfielder Callum McGregor and defender Auston Trusty are doubts for the weekend due to a stomach bug doing the rounds.
O’Neill confirmed the captain missed training on Friday due to illness, which he thinks McGregor may have picked up from his team-mate, who has now recovered but also isn’t a certainty to start this weekend.
With some other selection headaches to ponder, here’s how we think the veteran boss will set up his side against Falkirk:
GK - Viljami Sinisalo
Hoops number one made 11 saves over the 210 minutes against LASK, including a penalty save in extra time to keep Celtic in the tie. Remains first choice with very few replacement options at present.
RB - Colby Donovan
19-year-old defender has cemented his place at right back in Alistair Johnston’s absence and could be there for a while with the Canadian sidelined until October.
CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers
Out on his feet through the week so O’Neill may be tempted to rest the American. But he remains first choice central defender by quite some margin.
CB - Liam Scales
Trusty looks to have recovered from the stomach bug going around, but after 120 minutes in Austria, it might be time for a rest. Scales was suspended for Celtic’s opening two league games but is now available for selection and could come back into the reckoning.
LB - Kieran Tierney
Another fitness concern with very little in the way of replacements. Celtic are ‘close’ to signing Chelsea full back Landon Emenalo on loan - but for now the Scotland international is the only viable option.
CM - Mika Baur
New midfielder might be forced to play the role of McGregor for this one. If the captain sat out of training so close to kick-off then it’d be a risk for him to feature, meaning the German will likely be given the nod.
CM - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Celtic missed the experience of the suspended midfielder through the week. The former Liverpool and Arsenal man should now be fresh and ready for Saturday.
CAM - Benjamin Nygren
The output machine was at fault for LASK’s opener through the week. For anyone else it could’ve been a droppable offence - but his impressive goal record domestically means he’s basically nailed on to start.
RW - Camilo Duran
Opened his account domestically against Dundee United and will be in the hunt for more. One of the few attackers who played 120 minutes on Tuesday night but fitness doesn’t look to be an issue for the Colombian.
LW - Haissem Hassan
The £8.5m Egyptian winger is yet to start but squad rotation will be required at some point and neither Yang Hyun-jun or Sebastian Tounekti have set the world alight in recent weeks.
ST - Kasper Hogh
The Dane has looked laboured since his hat trick against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. Needs to find the back of the net again to restore his confidence.
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