Celtic hosts Kairat in the Champions League playoff, aiming for a strong showing to ease pressure before a long journey to Kazakhstan. As the Scottish champions seek their fourth consecutive group stage qualification, they enter the match well-prepared after a recent victory. Brendan Rodgers rotated his squad in preparation and is managing player workloads with a busy schedule approaching, including an Old Firm derby. The team hopes to leverage strong performances at Parkhead, recalling experiences against previous Kazakh clubs that have challenged them in the past.
Celtic host Kazakh champions Kairat at Parkhead in the Champions League playoff, with the visitors aiming to become only the second team from Kazakhstan to reach the group stage.
Brendan Rodgers wants Celtic to control the first leg and avoid pressure ahead of a 7,000-mile round trip to Almaty for the second leg.
Celtic enters the clash well-prepared after extra rest, having secured a 4-1 League Cup win and maintained early-season momentum with two league wins.
Rodgers rotated the squad against Falkirk, giving valuable minutes to fringe players, while Jota remains injured ahead of a busy schedule with Rangers looming.
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