Jan 27

Celtic, Falkirk, Ayr United and Kilmarnock all set for Hampden

This weekend Ayr face Kilmarnock, and Falkirk play Celtic in the Scottish Communities League Cup semi-finals.

Both games are previewed on this week's podcast at http://theawayend.libsyn.com, and George Cran takes an in depth look at Sunday's live TV game at Hampden.

First Division Falkirk will be looking to claim another Old Firm scalp this Sunday as they take on SPL leaders Celtic at Hampden in the Scottish Communities League Cup Semi-Final.

The Bairns, currently second in the league, knocked Rangers out in the Third Round thanks to an injury-time Mark Millar goal securing a surprise 3-2 victory at the Falkirk Stadium. They also saw off Dundee United on penalties in the Quarter-Final.

Celtic’s run to the Semi-Finals was not nearly as dramatic as last year’s finalists eased through with a 4-1 victory at Hibernian in the Quarters and a 2-0 win over Ross County in the Third Round.

Both teams come into the fixture full of confidence as each boast impressive recent form. Falkirk are unbeaten in all competitions since the end of November and Celtic have won each of their last 13 domestic matches.

The Bairns will be looking for front-man Farid El Alagui to continue his record of scoring in each round of this year’s League Cup as well as bagging 12 goals in 20 appearances in the First Division.

The Bhoys meanwhile have spread the goals around in this year’s competition with James Forrest and Gary Hooper each netting twice with Anthony Stokes scoring another.

The last time the two teams met was on the 7th of March 2010 as Celtic won 2-0 at Falkirk in the SPL.

Odds:

Falkirk 14/1 Draw 11/2 Celtic 2/7

Falkirk’s run to the Semi-Finals:

1st Round: Albion Rovers 2-4 Falkirk
2nd Round: Falkirk 3-1 Stenhousemuir
3rd Round: Falkirk 3-2 Rangers
QF: Dundee Utd 2-2 (4-5 on pens) Falkirk

Last 5 Games:

D-D-W-W-D

Celtic’s run to the Semi-Finals:

3rd Round: Ross County 0-2 Celtic
QF: Hibernian 1-4 Celtic

Last 5 Games:

W-W-W-W-W