Kick‑off, venue and TV
| Kick‑off | 3pm |
|---|---|
| Venue | Falkirk Stadium |
| TV | Sky Sports Football |
Falkirk start the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership season at home against St Mirren on Saturday, a fixture that opens the campaign at the Falkirk Stadium. The match will be shown on Sky Sports Football and kicks off at 3pm.
Form and context
Falkirk return to the top flight on the back of an encouraging 2025/26 campaign, having finished sixth and reached the Scottish Cup semi‑final in their first season back at this level. The Bairns were noted for an expansive style that produced a high number of goals in the previous campaign.
St Mirren endured a turbulent season. Despite winning the Scottish League Cup, they struggled in the league, finishing 11th and needing the play‑off to retain their Premiership status — a tie they won 2‑1 on aggregate against Partick Thistle. Goals were a particular problem for the Buddies; they scored fewer league goals than any other top‑flight side in 2025/26.
Squad news and transfers
Falkirk have seen some key departures during the close season, notably striker Barney Stewart, along with Calvin Miller and Dylan Tait. The club have, however, completed signings designed to bolster the squad and secured the return of midfielder Craig Sibbald on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Dundee United.
St Mirren have sought attacking solutions to address their shortage of goals. The club have added attacking midfielder Samuel Ramos and striker Eseosa Sule in an attempt to improve their output. Forward Jonah Alunga, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April, has signed a one‑year extension to his contract and is expected to return to action later in the season.
Predicted line‑ups and tactical notes
Preview pieces and tipsters have offered likely starting XIs. One suggested Falkirk line‑up includes Hogarth in goal with a back four of Tencer, Henderson, Neilson and Allan, a midfield featuring Sibbald, Laidlaw and McIver and Parkinson leading the attack. St Mirren’s predicted side included Chapman in goal with John, Gogic, King and Fraser across defence and Samu, McEvoy and Phillips in midfield.
- Falkirk: Enter the season with confidence from last year but have lost some influential players.
- St Mirren: Prioritising new attacking signings to remedy a chronic goalscoring shortfall.
- Broadcast: Match shown live on Sky Sports Football at 3pm.
Betting angles and match expectation
Tipsters are divided on the likely pattern of the game. Some previews favour a low‑scoring affair and a cautious opening period, offering bets such as half‑time draw and under 2.5 total goals. Others point to both teams’ recent attacking reinforcements and the entertaining style Falkirk displayed last season, suggesting there is scope for more goals.
Whichever view supporters favour, the match represents a first opportunity for both clubs to outline their shape and aims for the season ahead: Falkirk to build on a strong return to the Premiership, and St Mirren to prove their summer signings can translate into goals and league stability.
