Iheanacho To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Falkirk | OneFootball

Despite being below par all season, Celtic might still conquer with a ‘domestic double’. They defeated St Mirren to progress to the Scottish Cup final, and a win against Falkirk on Saturday evening would bring them closer to the Premiership crown in the three-horse race with Hearts and Rangers.

But a setback could blow their hopes, as they remain three points behind the league leaders, Hearts, with five games left. Rangers also have a two-point cushion over their Old Firm rivals, and it is to be seen whether Martin O’Neill’s men maintain their dominance over the Bairns by clinching a fifth successive victory this season in all competitions.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Falkirk

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel’s season-ending shoulder injury has been a blessing in disguise for Viljami Sinisalo. The Finnish custodian is enjoying a run of games between the sticks, and he must aim for a strong finish, with two trophies up for grabs in May.

Although Alistair Johnston was involved in a behind-closed-doors fixture, the Canadian must not be rushed into action due to his long-term absence. With Colby Donovan and Julian Araujo sidelined, Anthony Ralston is expected to keep his place on the right, having scored against the Buddies in the Scottish Cup semifinal. Benjamin Arthur returned to the starting XI in place of Liam Scales and should feature again in deep defence alongside Auston Trusty. Despite Marcelo Saracchi’s impressive form, Kieran Tierney continues to be the preferred choice down the left.

FALKIRK, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 14: Scott Bain of Falkirk and Benjamin Nygren of Celtic during the Premier League match between Falkirk and Celtic at Falkirk Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Falkirk, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Midifled

Arne Engels’ return from injury is a significant boost for O’Neill. The Belgian must be lined up alongside skipper Callum McGregor, as the pair offer the right balance in terms of marshalling the backline and scripting attacking transitions with box-to-box movements. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan could also be involved from the bench as deep-lying playmakers.

Benjamin Nygren has been Celtic’s most effective player, firing in 20 goals and 8 assists, primarily as a ‘number 10’. His presence and poaching traits in and around the box might be key, as he netted against Falkirk in the past three meetings. Hyun-Jun Yang is one of their most consistent performers, and the gaffer should rely on him down the right-hand flank. Daizen Maeda scored and assisted last weekend while featuring as a ‘number 9’, but could be restored down the left, replacing Sebastian Tounekti.

Kelechi Iheanacho has struggled with recurring injury problems. But he remains their most lethal ‘number 9’, given Junior Adamu and Tomas Cvancara’s disappointing spell. The Nigerian netted a brace at Hampden Park as a ‘super sub’, and is likely to spearhead the attack, even though his minutes have been managed carefully by the veteran Northern Irishman.