Celtic’s League Cup defense begins on familiar ground against Falkirk, who return to Celtic Park as a top-flight club for the first time in 15 years.
Brendan Rodgers is expected to shuffle his squad with a Champions League play-off and an Old Firm derby looming. But the memory of last year’s quarter-final scare should keep complacency at bay.
That night, Falkirk twice went ahead before a second-half surge, sparked by Nicolas Kühn and finished by Adam Idah, turned the tie on its head.
Falkirk arrive with momentum after back-to-back promotions under John McGlynn, and they know how to trouble Celtic’s back line. The referee’s whistle will come from Lloyd Wilson, taking charge of his first Celtic match, while VAR will be handled by John Beaton.
For Rodgers, this is an opportunity to rotate without losing rhythm; for Falkirk, it’s a chance to prove they belong in the Premiership by pushing the holders again.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the weekly schedule.
Celtic vs. Falkirk live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Scottish League Cup match in the U.S.:
TV channel: N/A
Live stream: Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the United States. Streaming options are available on CBS Sports Golazo and Paramount+, which is also the platform to stream the Scottish Premiership action.
Paramount+ gives subscribers the ability to watch basketball, football, golf, and soccer, and they won't have to break the bank in order to follow along with the latest sporting events. Paramount+ does have a FREE trial, so new subscribers can enjoy it for one week before making a payment.
What time does Celtic vs. Falkirk kick off?
This Scottish League Cup clash takes place at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland, and kicks off on Friday, August 15 at 7:45 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Fri, Aug. 15 | 2:45 p.m. |
| Central Time | Fri, Aug. 15 | 1:45 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Fri, Aug. 15 | 12:45 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Fri, Aug. 15 | 11:45 a.m. |
Scottish League Cup fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Friday, August 15
- Celtic vs. Falkirk (2:45 p.m.)
Saturday, August 16
- Greenock Morton vs. Aberdeen (10:00 a.m.)
- Partick Thistle vs. Ayr United (10:00 a.m.)
- St. Johnstone vs. Motherwell (10:00 a.m.)
- St. Mirren vs. Heart of Midlothian (10:00 a.m.)
- Rangers vs. Alloa Athletic (12:45 p.m.)
Sunday, August 17
- Kilmarnock vs. Dundee United (10:00 a.m.)
- Livingston vs. Hibernian (10:00 a.m.)