Five Pre-Match Questions Ahead of Celtic’s Clash With Falkirk

Celtic travel to Falkirk on knowing that three points would take us seven clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with our title rivals occupied by League Cup action.

On paper, it is an opportunity we should be looking to take. However, John McGlynn’s side have won their last three league matches and will be full of confidence, while our 2-2 draw against Dundee United has left plenty of questions unanswered.

There are five things I will be particularly interested in watching.

1. Will Kasper Høgh finally find the net on an artificial surface?

It has been a difficult spell for the Danish striker. Høgh has not scored since his hat-trick against Kilmarnock in August, and his substitution at half-time against Dundee United did little to settle the debate about his place in the starting XI.

Falkirk’s artificial pitch adds another dimension to the challenge. Will the surface suit his movement and finishing, or will it make an already difficult afternoon even harder?

More importantly, can Celtic provide him with the service he needs? We cannot keep expecting a striker to thrive when we play players out of position around him.

2. Will Martin O’Neill finally start natural wingers?

This has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding Celtic.

Against Dundee United, we looked a different team when Jota and Haissem Hassan were introduced. There was more width, more direct running and a willingness to take defenders on.

O’Neill has spoken about getting players into their natural positions, so will he follow through with that against Falkirk?

Hassan deserves serious consideration for a starting place, while Jota’s fitness and the artificial surface may influence whether he begins the match.

We need to stop trying to squeeze square pegs into round holes.

3. Who replaces Auston Trusty in defence?

Trusty will miss the match as he travels home to be with his family following the death of his father.

His absence leaves O’Neill with decisions to make at the back. Cameron Carter-Vickers is available again, but will the manager bring him straight back into the starting XI on an artificial surface?

Dane Murray and Liam Scales are other options, but haven’t been convincing as a pairing.

Celtic have conceded in each of their last three league matches. We need a settled defensive unit and a much more convincing performance.

4. Can Celtic handle Falkirk’s recent momentum?

We should not underestimate Sunday’s opponents.

Falkirk have won their last three league matches, including impressive victories over Hibernian and Aberdeen. John McGlynn has his team playing with confidence, and they will see this as a huge opportunity to test themselves against the champions.

Celtic won the previous meeting 2-1 at Celtic Park, with Camilo Durán scoring twice.

But this is a different challenge. Falkirk’s home support, artificial pitch and recent form could make this a very uncomfortable afternoon if we allow them to settle into the game.

5. Can we finally show some composure and game management?

This is perhaps the biggest question of all.

The draw against Dundee United exposed a familiar problem. We struggled to control the match, allowed the opposition back into it and once again found ourselves relying on individual moments to rescue a result.

Callum McGregor has already spoken about Celtic’s performances becoming like basketball matches, with possession constantly changing hands and the team struggling to regain control.

That cannot continue.

We have the quality to win this league, but quality alone will not be enough if we keep making matches unnecessarily difficult for ourselves.

A victory at Falkirk would give us breathing space at the top and provide a much-needed response after Wednesday’s disappointment.

Five questions, one important afternoon. Celtic need to provide some answers.