Celtic have named their starting line-up for tonight’s Champions League play-off second leg against Kairat Almaty, with Brendan Rodgers opting for a strong and experienced side as the Hoops aim to reach the league phase.
After a goalless draw in the first leg at Celtic Park, there is no margin for error. Celtic must win in Kazakhstan to progress, and Rodgers has picked a team built to handle the intensity and pressure of a decisive European away tie.
Rodgers made sweeping changes for Saturday’s 3-0 win over Livingston in the Premiership, giving starts to the likes of Dane Murray, Hayato Inamura, and Shin Yamada, while Benjamin Nygren and Liam Scales were the only outfield players to keep their places from the European tie. That rotation pointed clearly to one goal, keeping legs fresh for tonight’s decider.
One of the biggest talking points going into the game is how Celtic will cope without Alistair Johnston, who was stretchered off during the first leg. With the Canadian ruled out, Rodgers has a decision to make at right-back, with Ralston the likely option to step in after coming through the Livingston match unscathed.
Elsewhere, the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Daizen Maeda are all expected to return to the starting XI after being rested at the weekend. James Forrest could also come back in, offering experience and a steady hand in the final third.
Rodgers will be looking for a sharper performance in attack, with Celtic failing to break down Kairat in Glasgow despite dominating possession. With the tie now down to one game, the Irishman will expect greater intensity and cutting edge from his front three.
Here is your Celtic Starting XI to face Kairat:
📋 Team news for #KairatCeltic
Here’s how Celtic line up…
#UCL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/CUYRtSwcxf
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 26, 2025
Kick-off at Celtic Park is at 5:45 pm, with live coverage available on Amazon Prime. We’ll have more from the match and full post-game reaction following the final whistle.
