Celtic’s title run-in starts at Parkhead on Saturday evening, and there is no easing into it.
Falkirk are first up. Five games remain. Every one of them carries weight, but this is where it begins for Martin O’Neill’s side.
The Hoops host Falkirk at Celtic Park on April 25, with kick-off set for 5:30pm. The match will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Celtic head into the fixture off the back of that chaotic Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren. Six goals, extra time, and a late surge of goals that felt like a release after months of frustration. Whether that carries into the league remains to be seen, but it at least gives them something to build on.
There is little room for error now. Celtic sit within touching distance in the title race and cannot afford a slow start to this final stretch. Rivals will play after them this weekend, so there is a chance to apply pressure early.
On paper, this is a fixture Celtic have handled well.
They have already beaten Falkirk comfortably this season, including a 4-0 win, and across their meetings have scored freely. That history points one way, but it will not count for much if levels drop.
Falkirk arrive with their own issues. They were torn apart after leading against Rangers recently, conceding six in a game that exposed how open they can be. There has also been a heavy schedule, including extra-time involvement in the other semi-final last weekend, which could play a part as the game wears on.
Still, Celtic have made things harder than they needed to in similar fixtures this season. Letting teams hang around has been a recurring problem. If Falkirk are given encouragement, they will take it.
Team selection will be worth watching. There are players pushing for starts after Hampden, and O’Neill has decisions to make around energy levels after 120 minutes last weekend. Arne Engels’ return is giving Celtic more energy, while Daizen Maeda’s performance has encouraged many that he can get back to near his best for the run-in.
Kelechi Iheanacho is also edging towards full fitness, and his involvement could increase after his recent appearances.
Alistair Johnston COULD make the bench if training goes to plan this week.
Ryan Lee takes charge of the match, assisted by Jonathan Bell and Dougie Potter. Chris Graham is on VAR duties, with Greg Aitken assisting.
Lee has already refereed a meeting between the sides this season, one that ended comfortably in Celtic’s favour.
The equation is simple. Win the game and move on to the next one.
Anything else puts the title very much out of reach.
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