Falkirk vs Celtic Confirmed Lineups: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Starts as Martin O’Neill Names Celtic XI

Celtic have confirmed their starting lineup for Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash against Falkirk, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Haissem Hassan included in Martin O’Neill’s starting XI.

The Hoops travel to Falkirk Stadium on November 1, 2026, looking to strengthen their position at the top of the league table. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM UK time.

Both teams have selected attacking-minded lineups, with each side expected to operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Celtic Confirmed Lineup vs Falkirk

Martin O’Neill has made three changes to the team that started Celtic’s previous league match against Dundee United.

Cameron Carter-Vickers returns to the starting lineup, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Haissem Hassan also come into the team. Benjamin Nygren and Kasper Høgh are among the substitutes.

Sam Johnstone starts in goal, with Colby Donovan, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Kieran Tierney forming the defensive line.

Captain Callum McGregor partners Mika Baur in midfield. Further forward, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Camilo Durán and Callum Osmand provide attacking support for striker Haissem Hassan.

Celtic Starting XI:

Sam Johnstone; Colby Donovan, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Kieran Tierney; Mika Baur, Callum McGregor; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Camilo Durán, Callum Osmand; Haissem Hassan.

Celtic Substitutes:

Viljami Sinisalo, Benjamin Nygren, Kasper Høgh, Landon Emenalo, Luke McCowan, Sebastian Tounekti, Shumaira Mheuka, Dane Murray and James Forrest.

Falkirk Confirmed Lineup vs Celtic

Falkirk have also confirmed their starting XI for the home fixture, with Jacob Murrell leading the attack.

Manager John McGlynn has selected a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Scott Bain starting between the posts.

Ryan Strain, Lewis Neilson, Liam Henderson and Scott Tanser make up the defensive unit. Brad Spencer and Deniss Melniks will operate in central midfield.

Ethan Ross, Finley Barbrook and Owen Eames are expected to provide support behind Murrell, who will lead the frontline.

Falkirk Starting XI:

Scott Bain; Ryan Strain, Lewis Neilson, Liam Henderson, Scott Tanser; Brad Spencer, Deniss Melniks; Ethan Ross, Finley Barbrook, Owen Eames; Jacob Murrell.

Falkirk Substitutes:

Nicky Hogarth, Jack McMillan, Ben Parkinson, Ross MacIver, Craig Sibbald, Finn Yeats, Connor Allan, Connor McLeod and CJ Fodrey.

Celtic Team News: Alistair Johnston Remains Unavailable

Celtic will be without Alistair Johnston for the trip to Falkirk as he continues to recover from a leg injury.

His absence means Colby Donovan gets another opportunity to feature at right-back. The Canadian defender remains an important option for O’Neill, particularly with Johnston unavailable.

Falkirk have no additional reported absences affecting their confirmed starting lineup.

What the Starting Lineups Mean for Falkirk vs Celtic

Celtic’s selection gives O’Neill several attacking options, with Oxlade-Chamberlain bringing additional experience and creativity to the midfield and attacking areas.

Haissem Hassan’s inclusion also gives Celtic a different attacking option, while Camilo Durán and Callum Osmand will look to create opportunities around him.

Falkirk, meanwhile, will rely on their midfield partnership and home advantage to challenge the league leaders. Jacob Murrell will be their main attacking outlet.

Celtic entered the fixture at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings with 28 points from 11 matches. Falkirk were sixth with 15 points from the same number of games.

A victory would give Celtic an opportunity to extend their advantage at the top of the table.