Celtic will aim to take a huge leap towards qualification for the 2025/26 Champions League as they welcome Kairat Almaty in the first leg of the qualifying playoff to Celtic Park on Wednesday (kick-off: 8pm).
Brendan Rodgers’ side continued their 100 per cent start to the new season as they beat Falkirk 4-1 in the Premier Sports Cup on Friday evening, with Daizen Maeda, Alistair Johnston, Dane Murray and a Liam Henderson own goal sealing a comfortable passage through to the quarter-final stage.
As for their visitors Kairat Almat, they arrive in Glasgow on the back of a damaging weekend defeat in the Kazakhstan Premier League, after losing to FK Yelimay Semey at home, despite taking an early 2-0 lead. A double from Brazilian striker Edmilson had put them into a comfortable lead. The away side halved the deficit in first-half injury-time thanks to an own goal from Ofri Arad, before Togolese forward Euloge Placca hit two late goals to complete a remarkable turnaround.
Ahead of the game at Celtic Park, The Scotsman has all the latest team news:
5. Jota - Celtic - OUT
The Portuguese fan favourite is out with an ACL injury he suffered last April and won't be seen until at least the turn of the year. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. Reo Hatate - Celtic - RETURN TO STARTING XI?
The Japanese midfielder will almost certainly return to the Celtic line-up after being rested against Falkirk on Friday. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Marco Tilio - Celtic - INELIGIBLE
The Australian winger is tipped to leave Celtic Park this summer after struggling to make a mark following his move from the A-League. He won't play any part on Wednesday night though after being left out of the club's Champions League squad. | SNS Group Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
8. Kasper Schmeichel - Celtic - RETURN TO STARTING XI?
Celtic's number one is almost certain to be restored to the team for the visit of Kairat Almaty after being given a weekend off against Falkirk. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group