Celtic (Sco) vs Kairat Almaty (Kaz) prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Qualification betting tips on match 2025-08-19 19:00.
[p]Scottish champions Celtic are starting their UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification campaign against Kairat Almaty, who have already successfully overcome three rounds.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]After starting their league season with two comfortable victories, Celtic continued their fine early form on Friday by beating Falkirk 4-1 in the League Cup. They now turn their attention to securing a fourth consecutive appearance in the main draw of the UCL, but doing so via the qualification route may prove tricky for a side who have seen their last four UCL qualification campaigns end unsuccessfully. Facing an opponent from Kazakhstan could be the stroke of luck they need to end that torrid run though as the last time they bypassed the UCL qualifiers, they beat Kazakhstani opposition in the play-off round![/p]
[p]Kairat did things the hard way in the last round, but after beating Slovan Bratislava on penalties, they stand just one step away from reaching the UCL main draw for the first time ever. Having already played 20 games in the Kazakhstan Premier League (W13, D4, L3), the visitors are well ahead of their hosts in terms of competitive preparation, but after losing 3-2 against Yelimay Semey at the weekend despite leading 2-0, they come into this clash on a downer. The Kazakhs have little time to stew on that defeat, and after failing to win their last seven European trips (D3, L4), simply staying in the tie here may be as good as it gets for them.[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]This will be the first H2H meeting between these sides, but Celtic have hosted Kazakhstani opposition three times before and won all three games. Kairat have met Scottish opposition in Europe before, eliminating Aberdeen in 2015/16 UEFA Europa League qualifying (W1, D1). [/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Just one of Celtic’s last five competitive matches produced over 2.5 goals in 90 minutes.[/p]
[p]Celtic have scored 3+ goals in four of their last six home competitive matches.[/p]
[p]Five of Kairat’s six UCL matches this term produced under 2.5 goals.[/p]
[p]Kairat have received at least three yellow cards in five of their six UCL matches this summer (inc extra time).[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Japanese forward Daizen Maeda has already contributed to two goals in three matches for Celtic (G1, A1), with each of his last six strikes for the Scottish club arriving before the break. Kairat’s Jorginho also tends to score early, with each of his last five goals coming in the first half, including both of his UCL qualifying strikes this summer.[/p]
[p]Celtic are at near full-strength for this first leg, whilst Kairat will be missing crucial midfielder Valeriy Gromyko through suspension.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]With both sides producing low-scoring games this term, backing under 2.5 goals seems to be the obvious way to go.[/p]
[p][i]Author: Tomáš Vlasák[/i][/p]