Falkirk Preview

Yes, Celtic is a football club. There will be some football.

There may be some degree of respite from the amateur dramatics at Celtic as football breaks out at the park.

That being said, a planned Fan Collective demo outside the boardroom at 7 pm may continue to heighten the tension.

Meanwhile, daft old uncle Martin and earnest wee nephew Shaun may be the settling influence this frazzled squad needs to navigate a season threatening to come off the rails.

I would not expect a major change in set-up or shape from Celtic this evening – but as a minimum, there is hopefully a reset on who is “out” and “in” favour, and all get a fair crack at it.

But what of the opponents?

Falkirk are one of the more interesting sides in the league, both in terms of squad and playing style.

John McGlynn galvanised them to two promotions, and many of the group that achieved this are still in the starting eleven. Only two new signings were made permanently in the summer – Scott Bain on a free and 38-year-old Brian Graham from Partick Thistle.

However, following the model successful at Ross County for many seasons, McGlynn has utilised the English loan market effectively. Seven younger players have enhanced the squad. In particular, Kyrell Wilson (Swansea City) and Ethan Williams (Manchester United) are adding dynamism to the attacking third. Henry Cartwright (Leicester City) has added some bite to a midfield high on footballing intelligence but perhaps low on dig.

A slow start has suddenly blossomed with one defeat (to high-flying Heart of Midlothian) in five matches. Come from behind seems to be the norm. Two wins and three draws have been retrieved from losing positions. The Bairns have achieved better results, and arguably better performances, in their last three matches against The Rangers, Motherwell and Dundee, than Celtic.

Let’s run the rule.