Chris Sutton predicts four Celtic changes vs Falkirk with duo set for first starts

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Celtic play Falkirk in the quarter-final of the Scottish League Cup on Sunday hoping to extend their perfect start to the 2024/25 season.

Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys have won seven matches from seven in all competitions this term, most recently thrashing Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.

It has been a dynamite period for supporters and the team booking their place in a Hampden semi-final would really add to the good feeling around the club right now.

Falkirk have been in imperious form, too. They’re on a 43 league game unbeaten streak and will arrive in Glasgow full of confidence, backed by a bumper away support.

Nonetheless, it does look to be a good opportunity for Rodgers to freshen up the team after such consistent selections over the last couple of months.

Admitting that his squad are carrying a few ‘niggles’ on Friday, we’re likely to see some changes – but what will they be?

Auston Trusty and Alex Valle could make first Celtic starts vs Falkirk

Former striker Chris Sutton is looking for at least four and wants to see the club’s summer signings get a run.

He said this weekend [Daily Record]: “I’d expect Rodgers to rotate against Falkirk tomorrow. He can’t underestimate a side that is in great form in the Championship and who have already put Hearts out of the Premier Sports Cup.

“But you’d think this is a chance for Auston Trusty to get minutes, along with Adam Idah, Paulo Bernardo and Alex Valle. It’s already talking about strength in depth but what that means is the momentum doesn’t drop when the names on the team sheet change.

“Celtic’s squad will be tested in the coming weeks. They had the A team out the other night but there will be times when someone is injured or suspended and Rodgers will need to shuffle his pack.

“The players coming in need to prove they are more than capable of slotting in and doing a similar job. Celtic ripped up the usual Champions League script the other night – but they need to stick to it on the home front, even if the main characters change.”

Potential Celtic absentees for Scottish League Cup clash

Luke McCowan won’t feature for the Bhoys because he is cup-tied, while Brendan Rodgers is expected to rest Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers, both of whom didn’t train on Friday.

They had issues during the recent international break too and there’s no reason to risk them for this one with other players capable of filling in.

The same could be said for Greg Taylor who has played a lot of football of late, with fans intrigued to see what Valle can offer.

It should be an interesting team announcement and, as Sutton says, it’s hopefully a chance for those not starting to stake a claim for more regular minutes in a Celtic shirt.