Cvancara To Lead The line? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Falkirk | OneFootball

It was a massive European night for Celtic, as they defeated Utrecht en route to securing a spot in the Europa League playoffs. But they have little time to recover, with Falkirk set to travel to Parkhead for Sunday afternoon’s Premiership encounter.

Despite being the newcomers, the Bairns are heading for a top-half finish under John McGlynn. They have already scripted several upsets so far this season and could cause another one, regardless of three successive defeats against the Hoops, including an edgy 0-1 setback a couple of weeks ago in their own backyard. Celtic can’t afford to drop further points, having slipped to third following a 2-2 draw with league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Falkirk

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel has been a shadow of his earlier self, yet he continues to be the ‘number 1’ for his profound experience between the sticks. The 39-year-old Dane is expected to keep his place ahead of Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 29: Benjamin Nygren of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Kieran Tierney during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Celtic FC and FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Julian Araujo, who was ineligible in Europe, must reclaim his starting status down the right, replacing Colby Donovan amid Alistair Johnston’s injury absence. While the search is on for a new centre-back before Monday’s deadline, Auston Trusty’s dismissal against the Jambos has decimated them further in the deep defence. Cameron Carter-Vickers is ruled out for the season, and it remains to be seen whether Martin O’Neill deploys Stephen Welsh, who has been recalled from his Motherwell loan. The Scotsman was in excellent form at Fir Park and, therefore, deserves a nod over Dany Murray to partner with Liam Scales in the heart of the backline. Marcelo Saracchi is closing in on a return from his long injury layoff, but the left fullback role belongs to Kieran Tierney until the Uruguayan is available for selection.

Midfield

O’Neill has a stable midfield with skipper Callum McGregor driving the show from the base as a deep-lying playmaker. Arne Engels has been excellent since returning to the first XI, and the gaffer might restore Reo Hatate, who missed the Utrecht tie due to suspension. Benjamin Nygren has impressed with his scoring attribute, but his work rate needs to improve while featuring as a ‘number 8’. The Swedish ace, as well as Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan, might be brought in from the bench as second-half substitutes.

Attack

Tomas Cvancara was handed an immediate start against Hearts upon his arrival from Borussia Monchengladbach on a short-term loan. He missed their European tie due to ineligibility, but should spearhead the attack this weekend ahead of fit-again Kelechi Iheanacho and Johnny Kenny. His presence up top would see Daizen Maeda shift down the left. High-flying Hyun-Jun Yang must operate from the right, with James Forrest, Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha waiting on the wings among wide attacking options.