Falkirk vs Celtic Prediction and Tips: Handicap

Falkirk's form against Celtic's season

Celtic have lost once all season and sit top of the Scottish Premiership with 27 points from 10 games, a +19 goal difference built on the division's best attack (25 scored) and its tightest defence (6 conceded). On the season-long numbers alone, this looks like one of the widest gaps the Premiership can produce.

But look at how those away wins have actually arrived. Celtic have won all five of their league games on the road this season, and three of those five have been by a single goal: 2-1 at St Mirren, 1-0 at St Johnstone, and - most relevantly - 2-1 at Falkirk back on 29 August, the only previous meeting between these two sides this season. Only the trips to Kilmarnock (5-1) and Motherwell (2-0) have been won by more than one goal.

Falkirk, for their part, have tightened up: two wins and a draw in their last three league games, including a 3-0 win over Kilmarnock last time out, and they've conceded only six goals across their last six matches in total. Of their three home defeats this season - to St Mirren, Rangers and Dundee - two have been by a single goal, and only the St Mirren game got away from them by more than one.

Given the head-to-head precedent and how narrow most of Celtic's away wins have actually been, the extra 1.5 goals of cushion look generous. Callum backs Falkirk +1.5 at 1.86, 1 unit.

Form guide

Key numbers

• Celtic season record9W 0D 1L
• Celtic goal difference+19 (25 for, 6 against)
• Celtic away wins by exactly 1 goal (of 5)3
• First meeting this season (29 Aug, away)Falkirk 1-2 Celtic
• Falkirk goals conceded, last 6 games6
• Falkirk home defeats by 1 goal (of 3)2

Team news

We did not find a confirmed team-news or injury line for either side ahead of this one beyond the general squad picture, so no personnel edge is factored into this tip.

Verdict

At 1.86, Falkirk +1.5 implies a 53.8% chance Falkirk avoid losing by two or more. Celtic are unbeaten away this season, but three of their five away wins have been by exactly one goal - including the first meeting between these sides in August, won 2-1 by Celtic. Callum backs the extra cushion.