Bhoys Face Jags in Cup Clash
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


New Bhoy Kelechi Iheanacvho scored on debut to seal a 2-1 win against Kilmarnock last weekend

Wyre Stadium, Firhill
Sunday, 21 September 2025
15.30 BST

The Celts are in League Cup Quarter-Final action this Sunday afternoon, when they make the short journey across Glasgow to take on Championship side, Partick Thistle at Firhill.

The Hoops only narrowly managed to departed Rugby Park ith all three points last week courtesy of a controversially awarded penalty in the 98th minute, with Kelechi Iheanacho successfully dispatching the resulting spotkick to secure the 2-1 win.

While the result returned the Bhoys to the top of the Premiership table, the form has continued to be both frustrating and underwhelming, to say the least, especially with regards the cutting edge and end product. However there were some signs of how the new signings could provide some of the answers, with Sebastian Tounetki in particular impressed on his full debut, with flashes of speed and skill hopefully an indication of even better things to come.

In fact, it could be said that the 4-1 win in the previous round of the League Cup against Falkirk was perhaps the one genuinely convincing performance this season, with Brendan Rodgers fielding a much changed lineup, and perhaps some of those on the fringes with a point to prove will once again have the opportunity to impress this weekend.​

2020: Callum McGregor celebrates scoring in the 2-0 Scottish Cup win when these sides last met

The hosts, under the guidance of former Celtic defender Mark Wilson, are coming into this game on the back of 3 straight wins in the Championship as well as defeating Ayr United in the previous round of this competition to set up this tie.

In fact, so far this season across all competitions, Thistle have won 8 of their 10 games in total (W8 D1 L1). However one important factor is that Josh Clarke, on loan from Celtic, is unable to play against his parent club, meaning that Lewis Budinauckas, who has not featured between the sticks since the 5-1 loss to St Johnstone at the start of August.

And while Celtic are undoubtedly favourites going into this match, if the hosts are to cause an upset, it will likely require Logan Chalmers, who has been in impressive form so far this season, to once again find that little bit of something special, and is the one to watch.


Mark Wilson took over as interum Jags boss in February & was confirmed as manager in May

Stats & Facts​

• Celtic are undefeated by Partick Thistle since 1995, winning each of the past 8 meetings between the sides.

• Partick have lost just once this season across all competitions, and are undefeated at home (P6 W5 D1 L0).

• The hosts won all 4 of their League Cup Group matches as well as their last 16 match, with an aggregate 13-2.

Sebastian Tounetki impressed on his Celtic debut in the 2-1 win against Kilmarnock last week

Team News

Celtic will again be without Alistair Johnston (hanstring), Anthony Ralston (foot), Austen Trusty (heel) and Jota (knee).

There is also likely to be changes made to the starting XI, as the manager may seek to rest and rotate some of the squad, especially as the Bhoys have to travel to Serbia for a Europa League showdown with Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday evening.

As for the Jags, they will be without Oisis Smyth is Cup-tied (having featured for St Mirren during the Group Stage), and goalkeeper Josh Clarke, on loan from Celtic, is unable to play against his parent club, while there also continues to be a doubt concerning the fitness of Daniel Mackay (muscle strain).​

Referee: Kevin Clancy

This will be Clancy's 44th League Cup match in his career, during which time he has officiated one Final and 4 other Semi-Finals. In this competition the 41y.o. has officiated Celtic six times in total, with the Bhoys victorious in all but one of these.

Celtic's Overall Record
M:61 W:46 D:8 L:7

VAR:N/A



~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P:203 W:136 D:28 L:39​

Last 5 Meetings
W W W W W

~~~~ 2025/26 Form ~~~~

All Comps
W D D W D ~ W W W W D​