Celtic Predicted XI: Iheanacho Starts vs Falkirk (Glasgow, 2026)

Key Points

• Celtic face Falkirk this evening in the first post-split fixture of the Scottish Premiership.
• Both teams were involved at Hampden last weekend: Celtic progressed to the Scottish Cup showpiece Final, while Dunfermline advanced at the expense of John McGlynn’s Falkirk.
• Celtic’s extra-time win against St Mirren was not at their slickest, but showed glimpses of intensity that pleased supporters and manager Martin O’Neill.
• Kelechi Iheanacho is the standout player expected to start for Celtic.
• Vil Sinisalo is set to start in goal, keen for a quieter evening after unpunished errors at Hampden.
• Liam Scales, who signed a new long-term deal yesterday, is expected to return at centre-back, replacing Benjamin Arthur.
• Scales likely to partner Auston Trusty, with Tony Ralston continuing at right-back after impressing last weekend.
• Consideration for Marcelo Saracchi to start over Kieran Tierney to manage Tierney’s minutes.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) April 25, 2026 – Celtic prepare to host Falkirk this evening in the Scottish Premiership’s first post-split fixture, with manager Martin O’Neill expected to hand a start to striker Kelechi Iheanacho amid a packed schedule following their Hampden exploits.

What is the Predicted Starting XI for Celtic Against Falkirk?

As reported by the original coverage in sports outlets focusing on Scottish football previews, Celtic’s lineup centres on reliability and rotation.

Vil Sinisalo will start between the sticks for Celtic. The Finnish goalkeeper experienced a couple of errors with the ball at his feet during last weekend’s Hampden clash, though they went unpunished. He will be keen for a quieter evening against Falkirk.

In defence, 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 at centre-back. Tony Ralston is set to continue at right-back after impressing in the previous match.

There is an argument for Marcelo Saracchi to start over Kieran Tierney at left-back, simply to manage the minutes of the more experienced Tierney.

Up front, Kelechi Iheanacho stands out as the key inclusion. The forward is one player who should feature prominently in O’Neill’s side.

These predictions draw from detailed team news shared across Scottish football media, emphasising Celtic’s need to balance cup final preparations with league commitments.

Why Was Celtic Not at Their Best Against St Mirren?

Martin O’Neill’s side were not at their slick best in the extra-time win against St Mirren at Hampden last weekend. Despite progressing to the Scottish Cup showpiece Final, the performance offered only glimpses of the intensity that has defined their season.

This will nonetheless please the support and the manager, as noted in match reports from outlets covering the semi-final.

Celtic’s progression came through resilience rather than dominance, with the extra-time period highlighting fatigue but also determination.

O’Neill’s team showed enough to secure their place in the final, setting the stage for tonight’s league return against Falkirk.

How Did Falkirk Fare at Hampden Last Weekend?

Falkirk, under John McGlynn, were separately involved at Hampden but exited earlier. Dunfermline progressed at the expense of McGlynn’s team in their own Scottish Cup tie.

This result leaves Falkirk focusing on Premiership survival in the post-split phase, making tonight’s visit to Celtic Park a tough assignment.

No further details on Falkirk’s lineup emerged in the primary coverage, but their recent elimination underscores the challenge of facing a Celtic side buoyed by cup success.

Who is Kelechi Iheanacho and Why is He Starting?

Kelechi Iheanacho emerges as the standout selection in Celtic’s predicted XI. The Nigerian striker, known for his pace and finishing, is one to watch this evening.

His inclusion signals O’Neill’s intent to maintain attacking threat despite the midweek cup exertions.

Iheanacho’s form has been pivotal in recent games, and starting him aligns with Celtic’s depth in forward areas. Coverage highlights him as the clear choice to lead the line.

What Changes Are Expected in Celtic’s Defence?

Liam Scales’ return bolsters the backline. Having penned a new long-term contract yesterday, the Irishman slots back in, partnering Auston Trusty. Benjamin Arthur makes way, reflecting rotation needs.

Tony Ralston retains his right-back berth after a strong showing last weekend. At left-back, Marcelo Saracchi could edge Kieran Tierney, with the decision hinging on workload management for Tierney.

Vil Sinisalo’s retention in goal provides continuity, despite the Hampden mishaps with distribution.

When and Where is Celtic v Falkirk Taking Place?

The match kicks off this evening at Celtic Park in Glasgow, marking the first post-split Premiership fixture for both sides. Celtic enter as heavy favourites, fresh from Hampden progression, while Falkirk seek points in a relegation battle.

Background of the Development

This predicted XI reflects Celtic’s strategic approach to a congested fixture list. The post-split schedule intensifies competition, with Celtic chasing the title and cup glory. Falkirk’s involvement at Hampden, though unsuccessful, tested their squad depth.

Liam Scales’ contract extension yesterday secures a key defender long-term, amid ongoing squad building under Martin O’Neill. Kelechi Iheanacho’s prominence underscores Celtic’s investment in proven goalscorers.

Vil Sinisalo’s start continues his emergence as first-choice keeper, while rotation like Saracchi over Tierney manages injury risks. Tony Ralston’s retention rewards recent form, and Auston Trusty’s partnership with Scales provides defensive stability.

The St Mirren win, despite imperfections, maintains momentum. Dunfermline’s advancement over Falkirk highlights the cup’s unpredictability. Overall, this fixture tests Celtic’s depth against a resilient Falkirk side led by John McGlynn.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Celtic Supporters

Celtic fans can expect a routine victory, with Iheanacho’s start likely yielding goals to ease post-Hampden fatigue. Scales’ return reassures defensive solidity, boosting confidence in title retention. Rotation preserves stars like Tierney for the cup final, minimising injury risks. Sinisalo’s quieter night aids goalkeeper development, benefiting long-term support.

Ralston’s continuity rewards loyalty, engaging local followers. Falkirk’s underdog status may frustrate if they defend deep, testing patience. Glimpses of intensity from Hampden suggest attacking flair, delighting the Celtic Park crowd. Supporters gain reassurance from Scales’ commitment, fostering optimism. However, any slip-ups could heighten pressure ahead of the final. For fans tracking the league, three points secure momentum in the post-split race.