Falkirk · 0 yrs
John McGlynn's side were the top seeds in Wednesday's draw after finishing sixth on their return to the Scottish Premiership and with the top five sides receiving byes to the second round because of their participation in European football. The Bairns won their group last season, finishing ahead of Cove Rangers, Queen's Park, The Spartans and Brechin City before losing to eventual beaten finalists Celtic in the second round.
John McGlynn insists there's "no pressure" on Falkirk as they bid to pip Hibs to fifth place and possible Conference League football. The sixth-place Bairns, currently two points behind, can leapfrog David Gray's side with victory at the Falkirk Stadium on Saturday. Fifth place will bring entry to the second qualifying round of the Conference League if Celtic defeat Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final.
The defeat at the weekend against Celtic was another hammer blow for David Gray and his Hibs players. Jamie McGrath has been arguably the player of the season for Hibs, but his rashness in the tackle that led to his red card was a costly and ultimately decisive moment in the game. Prior to that, Hibs travel to Falkirk, who, under John McGlynn, have had such an exciting and profitable campaign in their first top-flight season for 15 years.
