Kairat Almaty vs Celtic Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26 playoff second leg

The first leg between them ended in a goalless draw.

Kairat Almaty are all set to lock horns with Celtic in the payoff round second leg fixture of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League qualifiers. The intense and high-stakes game is scheduled to take place at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadium.

Kairat Almaty at home will be looking for a win, but it is not going to be an easy fixture for them. They defended well in the first leg, as they did not let their opponents score a goal despite being away from home. They will be pumped up this time around as they have a chance to make it to the UEFA Champions League 2025-26.

Celtic are coming in after delivering a dominating effort in their Premiership game. They will be looking to come up with another top performance if they want to compete in the UCL this season. It will be interesting to see them perform away from home this time around.

Kick-off:

• Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
• Stadium: Almaty Ortalyk Stadium
• Date: Tuesday, August 26
• Kick-off Time: 10:15 p.m. IST/ 04:45 p.m. GMT/ 12:45 p.m. ET/ 09:45 a.m. PT
• Referee: Maurizio Mariani
• VAR: In use

Form:

Kairat Almaty: W-W-L-L-D

Celtic: W-W-W-D-W

Players to Watch

Jorginho (Kairat Almaty)

The 27-year-old forward will have a major role to play in the attacking front for the hosts. Jorginho has four goal involvements in seven UCL qualifying games of the current season. He will be once again looking to engrave his name on the scoresheet.

The player knows how to create plays for his fellow teammates, making him a big danger always.

Callum McGregor (Celtic)

Callum McGregor will be looking to help his side from the midfield. Even though he failed to score a goal in the first leg, this time around, the 32-year-old will be looking to step up and help his side by scoring a goal or two. It will be interesting to see him help his fellow squadmates.

Match Facts

• Celtic are on a five-match unbeaten run.
• They have secured a clean sheet in four of their last five matches.
• Kairat Almaty have not been able to secure a win in any of their last three matches.

Kairat Almaty vs Celtic: Betting Tips and Odds

• Celtic to win
• James Forrest to score
• Goals under 3.5

Injury and Team News

Kairat Almaty have all their players ready and fit to be in action.

Celtic will be without the services of Adam Idah, Alistair Johnson and two other players as they are injured.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 1

Kairat Almaty won: 0

Celtic won: 0

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

Kairat Almaty predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Zarutskiy (GK); Mrynskiy, Martynovich, Sorokin, Tapalov; Arad, Glazer; Gromyko, Jorginho, Satpaev; Edmilson

Celtic predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Schmeichel (GK); Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Nygren, McGregor, Hatate; Forrest, Hyun-Jun, Maeda

Match Prediction

It is a high-stakes fixture, and the winning side will get to perform at the biggest European stage. Celtic are likely to defeat Kairat Almaty in their upcoming UEFA Champions League qualifier.

Prediction: Kairat Almaty 1-2 Celtic

Telecast Details

UK: Amazon Prime Video

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