Match

Celtic predicted XI vs Falkirk as Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney take charge for first time

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Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney will be in the dugout when Celtic face Falkirk on Wednesday night.

Brendan Rodgers resigned as Celtic manager on Monday night and was replaced by O’Neill and Maloney, who will take over on an interim basis until someone permanent is found.

O’Neill won his first game as Hoops manager in 2000 but will face a very different task as the Hoops look to cut their eight-point gap to Hearts down to five.

Decisions will have to be made for the game with a Premier Sports Cup semi-final date against Rangers just a few days later.

So, with that, 67 Hail Hail predicts how the Bhoys will line up against Falkirk.

Dane Murray dropped and Kieran Tierney rested for Rangers game

Last weekend the back four was a shambles for Celtic.

Dane Murray had a game to forget after scoring an own goal and giving away a penalty, while the team as a whole defended terribly.

Murray’s confidence may be shattered, but Maloney and O’Neill must be ruthless and drop him to the bench. This could mean a surprise debut for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey or the more likely option of bringing Auston Trusty back into the fold.

Kieran Tierney has been completing full 90 minutes in the last few weeks but a midweek rest to keep him fresh for Rangers will be best and allow Marcelo Saracchi, who has been a reliable choice, to cover at left-back.

Auston Trusty before Celtic FC v FC Bayern München - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg
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Celtic predicted XI vs Falkirk

Kasper Schmeichel retains his place in goal while Colby Donovan will also continue to play at right-back.

Liam Scales will then be partnered by Trusty, and Saracchi will fill in at left-back.

Moving into midfield and this will be a chance for Luke McCowan to show what he is made of from the start as he replaces the out of form Reo Hatate. Callum McGregor will once again captain the side with Benjamin Nygren pushing back into his more familiar midfield position.

The Celtic predicted XI to face Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership
The Celtic predicted XI to face Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership Credit: GRV Lineup tool/Callum Boyle

Out on the wings will be bright spark Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who will hopefully show some signs of life at last.

Injury problems up top mean that Johnny Kenny will complete the attack.