Celtic vs Kairat Almaty Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 20/8/2025

Celtic Glasgow enter this playoff round as heavy favorites, having once again asserted their dominance on the domestic front. The Scottish champions lifted their 13th league title in the past 14 years last season—securing a fourth consecutive crown—and continue to be the unrivaled force in Scotland. With such consistency, the Hoops have become regular fixtures in the UEFA Champions League, qualifying for the last three editions and now seeking a fourth successive group stage appearance.

The start of the 2025/26 campaign has been encouraging. Celtic opened their Premiership defense with back-to-back wins, edging St. Mirren 1-0 and defeating Aberdeen 2-0 away from home. Their focus briefly shifted to the domestic cup, with a League Cup round of 16 clash against Falkirk scheduled last weekend. Brendan Rodgers’ squad looks balanced, with a strong mix of experience and exciting new talent ready to step up in Europe.

Kairat Almaty’s Remarkable Underdog Run

Kairat Almaty have become the surprise package of this year’s qualifiers, carrying the hopes of Kazakhstan on their shoulders. Rarely do Kazakh clubs progress this far in Europe’s top competition, yet Kairat have defied expectations in spectacular fashion.

Their campaign began in the first qualifying round, where they eliminated Olimpija Ljubljana with a 3-1 aggregate victory. In the second round, they produced a stunning comeback against Finnish side KuPS, overturning a first-leg deficit with a 3-0 home win. Last week, they pulled off their most impressive scalp yet by ousting Slovan Bratislava—a club that featured in last year’s Champions League—winning on penalties after a fiercely contested tie.

Domestically, Kairat are battling for top spot in the Kazakh Premier League, recently facing off against title rivals Yelimay Semey, with Astana also close behind. Their European exploits have energized the club and its supporters, though the step up to Celtic Park will be their biggest challenge yet.

Team News and Key Players

Celtic will be without several players due to injuries. New signings Jota (ex-Rennes), goalkeeper Ross Doohan, and young midfielder Callum Osmand (from Fulham) are all sidelined, as is Japanese recruit Inamura. However, the squad remains strong. High-profile summer arrival Kieran Tierney has already made an impact since returning from Arsenal, while winger Benjamin Nygren, who scored and assisted against Aberdeen, looks sharp.

The squad has retained much of its attacking firepower, with Daizen Maeda (16 goals, 10 assists last season), Adam Idah (13 goals), Reo Hatate (10 goals, 4 assists), and Arne Engels (9 goals, 6 assists) all continuing their Celtic journey. Departures include Kyogo Furuhashi and Kuhn, both key contributors last season, but Rodgers’ squad depth remains formidable.

Kairat Almaty travel without suspensions and will rely heavily on two standout performers. Portuguese forward Jorginho (7 goals, 7 assists) and teenage sensation Dastan Satpaev (8 goals, 6 assists at just 17 years old) have been pivotal in qualifying. Supporting them are attacking threats Zaria (5 goals, 2 assists) and Gromyko (4 goals, 3 assists), who will be tasked with exploiting any rare opportunities against Celtic’s defense.

What to Expect

Celtic’s experience, squad depth, and formidable home record make them overwhelming favorites. The Hoops have won 15 of their last 20 European home fixtures, while opponents hosting Kairat have claimed maximum points in 17 of their last 20 meetings. History and momentum point strongly toward another Celtic success.

Kairat have already delivered some of the most memorable results in their club’s history, but facing Celtic in Glasgow is an entirely different test. Their remarkable run could end here unless they produce another monumental upset.

Prediction

Celtic’s attacking depth and home advantage should prove decisive against a spirited but less experienced Kairat side. Expect the Scottish champions to control possession, create consistent chances, and capitalize on their European pedigree.

Prediction: Celtic 3:0 Kairat Almaty