Celtic travel to Kazakhstan for the Champions League qualifier second leg against Kairat Almaty after a goalless draw in Glasgow left the tie delicately poised. The clash takes place at the Ortalyq Stadium on Tuesday, August 26, with kick-off at 5:45pm British time.
Kairat Almaty team news
Kairat head into the home leg with a largely healthy squad apart from long-term injuries to Elder Santana and Joao Paulo. The only fresh concern is goalkeeper Aleksandr Zarutskiy, who picked up a knock in the first leg and was withdrawn. If he cannot play, Temirlan Anarbekov would step in between the posts.
Celtic team news
Celtic are juggling fitness concerns of their own, with Alistair Johnston ruled out until November due to a hamstring injury. Adam Idah misses out with a knock, and defender Auston Trusty is sidelined with a foot problem. Jota remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury. On a brighter note, Benjamin Nygren is in good spirits after scoring twice against Livingston and is likely to keep his wide role.
Predicted lineups
Kairat Predicted XI: Anarbekov; Tapalov, Sorokin, Martynovich, Luis Mata; Glazer, Gromyko, Arad; Satpaev, Edmilson Santos, Jorginho
Celtic Predicted XI: Schmeichel; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Nygren, Yamada, Maeda
How to watch
In the United Kingdom, the Kairat Almaty vs Celtic play-off can be watched live on Amazon Prime Video.
What to watch for
Celtic need to convert their chances away from home to reach the group stage, while Kairat will be eager to protect the advantage of hosting the second leg. With Johnston out and Jota unavailable, Celtic will lean on Nygren’s recent form and the core midfield pairing of McGregor and Hatate to unlock the Kazakhstani defense.
Summary
The tie remains finely balanced after a scoreless first leg, with Celtic’s injury list presenting challenge but also potential for a breakthrough away performance. Nygren’s confidence and the experience of a first-choice goalkeeper between the posts could be the deciding factors as Celtic chase progress in a tough away assignment.
Positive note
There is optimism for Celtic that a strong away performance, combined with the return of key players and Nygren’s current scoring touch, can edge them over the line in what promises to be a competitive and disciplined display in Kazakhstan.