Celtic v Falkirk: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Celtic have been dominant in the early exchanges of the campaign and they will be aiming to continue their unbeaten start in the Scottish League Cup when they host second-tier Falkirk.

The Bairns have won all five of their second-tier outings this term and have already beaten Premiership Hearts, but they face a massive task against Brendan Rodgers’ champions.

Celtic v Falkirk betting tips and predictions

Under 3.5 goals - Evens

It's a good time to be a Falkirk fan after they stormed their way to the Scottish League One title last season and they have now made a perfect start to life in the Championship with five straight wins.

However, it is fair to say that they are in for a difficult afternoon on Sunday as they head to the Premiership champions in the League Cup quarter-finals, a game that is likely to show them just how far they have to go and what life could be like if they manage to gain a second successive promotion.

In fairness, there are not many teams in Scotland who can live with Celtic at the moment as they have already posted a 3-0 home win over arch-rivals Rangers and transferred their domestic dominance to the European stage on Wednesday when they beat Slovan Bratislava 5-1 in the Champions League.

Performing like that in Europe’s premier competition can only boost the confidence of Rodgers’ Bhoys, but that does open up the prospect of a packed fixture list this season, and that might encourage the former Liverpool and Leicester manager to shuffle the pack for the visit of the Bairns.

Kevin Wimmer’s effort for the Slovakian outfit was one of only two goals that Celtic have conceded in seven league and cup games this season, so it is difficult to see the visitors breaking through, but they may not run riot, especially if some of the second string are thrown into action.

Despite their memorable night in midweek, that was only the second time in their last 11 home games that Celtic have scored more than three times, so there could be fewer than four goals in this one.

Kyogo Furuhashi first goalscorer - 13/5

If Rodgers does elect to field a strong line-up, there is a strong chance that Kyogo Furuhashi will be at the heart of the action.

The Japanese striker has been creating a host of chances this season and has had at least three efforts on goal in each of his five starts for the Bhoys this term.

Consequently, a lone goal in the Old Firm win is perhaps a modest return, but he was on target in the European match in midweek, which should have given him a massive lift after having a total of 20 shots this season.

Furuhashi scored 14 goals last season and that strike on Wednesday could be just the thing to kick start his campaign and he can set Celtic on their way to victory on Sunday.

Ross McIver to be booked - 5/1

Falkirk striker Ross McIver could be handed the unenviable task of leading the visitors’ line in a game where his team will not be expected to see much of the ball and he has already caught the attention of referees this season.

The forward has picked up four bookings already this season, which has eclipsed the total he posted during the whole of last season and, if his frustrations get the better of him, 5/1 for the 25-year-old being handed another yellow card could represent some decent value.

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Celtic v Falkirk odds

Celtic - 1/12
Draw - 9/1
Falkirk - 22/1

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.