Only one obstacle separates Celtic from their fourth consecutive participation in the UEFA Champions League: the Kazakh champions Kairat. On Wednesday, August 20, at Celtic Park, the Bhoys will play the first leg of the Champions League playoff knowing they are clear favorites, but they must not underestimate an opponent that has already come through three qualifying rounds. The Scottish side reached this stage directly after winning their fourth straight Premiership title with an incredible 17-point lead over arch-rivals Rangers. Brendan Rodgers’ men, thanks to their domestic dominance in recent years, have built valuable international experience that could prove decisive in this two-legged tie against Kairat, who are chasing their first-ever appearance in Europe’s elite competition. Kairat are undoubtedly ahead in terms of fitness, being in the middle of their domestic season, but they know how tough the trip to Glasgow can be. Rafael Urazbakhtin’s side has boosted their confidence in recent weeks by surviving three preliminary rounds. The biggest scare came in the third round against Slovan Bratislava, where they only qualified after a penalty shootout. At Celtic Park, then, two teams with very different ambitions will clash: Kairat are chasing a historic achievement, while Celtic cannot afford any slip-ups if they want to reinforce their European status.

Celtic's Recent form and key stats

Celtic have started the 2025/26 season strongly, winning all three of their first official matches. After back-to-back Premiership victories over St. Mirren and Aberdeen, they eased past Falkirk with a 4-1 win in the League Cup round of 16, thanks to goals from Maeda, Johnston, Murray, and an own goal from Henderson.

The Hoops are unbeaten in their last six home matches at Celtic Park (5 wins, 1 draw) and come into this clash at almost full strength, with left winger Jota being the only absentee since May due to injury. Brendan Rodgers is expected to stick with his traditional 4-3-3, with Maeda and Nygren supporting lone striker Idah. New signing Kieran Tierney is set to start at left-back after joining on a free transfer from Arsenal.

Kairat's Recent form and key stats

Unlike the Scots, Kairat are deep into their season, having already played 20 rounds of the Kazakhstan Premier League. Last weekend, they suffered a 3-2 defeat against Yelimay Semey, squandering a two-goal lead despite a brace from Brazilian forward Edmilson Santos.

In the six UEFA Champions League qualifying matches they’ve played so far, Urazbakhtin’s side has recorded 3 wins, 2 defeats, and 1 draw, averaging 1.16 goals scored and 0.66 conceded per game. As for absences, striker Elder Santana is ruled out, while fellow forward Joao Paulo and playmaker Giorgi Zaria are doubtful.

Celtic vs Kairat prediction and tactical outlook

Celtic are heavy favorites to win the first leg against Kairat, with the visitors needing to contain the damage to keep their hopes alive for the return leg in Kazakhstan on August 26.

Brendan Rodgers’ side holds the home advantage at Celtic Park, where they’ve won six of their last seven matches, and they are more experienced in high-stakes knockout ties, both in the Champions League and Europa League.

Kairat, on the other hand, have struggled on the road in the qualifiers, drawing against Olimpija Ljubljana and losing to both KuPS and Slovan Bratislava.

It looks unlikely that the Kazakh defense can withstand Celtic’s experienced attack, led by Daizen Maeda, who scored more than 30 goals last season. With several offensive absences, Kairat’s task becomes even harder, and barring a miracle, they seem destined for a heavy defeat.

• Celtic vs Kairat prediction by BetMines algorithm: 1 (home win) – 80% probability
  
  
• Celtic vs Kairat prediction by BetMines algorithm: X (draw) – 15% probability
  
  
• Celtic vs Kairat prediction by BetMines algorithm: 2 (away win) – 5% probability

Probable lineups Celtic vs Kairat

CELTIC (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Nygren, Idah, Maeda. Coach: Brendan Rodgers

KAIRAT (4-3-3): Zarutskiy; Kasabulat, Sorokin, Martynovich, Mata; Topalov, Ofri, Gromyko; Monteiro, Satpaev, Edmilson. Coach: Rafael Urazbakhtin