Who will win Kairat Almaty vs Celtic? Our writers deliver predictions for Champions League playoff second leg
It's a £40million shoot-out for the Hoops as they looked to return to the league phase promise land
It looked to be a dream draw for Celtic - but Kairat Almaty can turn it into a nightmare in the second leg.
Fan frustrations boiled over as the Premiership champions' were held to a goalless draw on their own turf just a week ago by the Kazakhstan outfit.
Chants of 'sack the board' rang out due to the lack of transfer activity with a £40million jackpot waiting in the league phase.
Celtic have overcome Kazakhstan opposition on three previous occasions in Champions League qualifying - but have never left the country with a win.
So can they do it on this occasion? Record Sport' s top team makes their predictions with one score standing out.
Michael Gannon
This is going to be a tense night but I shouldn’t be as wild as Celtic’s last trip to Kazakhstan when they threatened to blow a five goal lead.
Kairat are more cagey and will probably look to frustrate and stay in the game. Celtic might need to be patient but should have the quality to squeeze through.
Kairat 0 Celtic 1
Ryan McDonald
It’s 56 vs 315 in the UEFA coefficient rankings for a Champions League place - and Celtic simply can’t crash out to a team ranked lower than St Johnstone. It could be a nervy night behind the sofa, but Hoops fans will be celebrating by the end of extra-time.
Kairat Almaty 2 Celtic 3 (AET)
Gavin Berry
The Kazakh outfit were better than expected but this is a team ranked 311th in UEFA’s club rankings and if Celtic don’t progress over two legs then it’s a shocker.
Having had that warning at Parkhead, Brendan Rodgers will ensure his men are on it against the hosts who will be weakened with the loss of Chelsea-bound starlet Dastan Satpayev through suspension.
Kairat Almaty 0 Celtic 2
Craig Swan
Celtic did not play to their potential in the first leg against a tricky opponent, but if they get into their stride properly this time, they can edge this tie and make it through.
Kairat 0 Celtic 1
Fraser Wilson
Celtic have made this a bit of a sweat if they are to avoid the disaster of missing out on the £40M league phase. But there’s enough experience in that side to handle the pressure and get the job done. Brendan Rodgers said we’ll see a different Hoops side, in terms of performance, in Kazakhstan. It’s going to be a nervy watch but Celtic should squeeze through.
Kairat 0 Celtic 1
Scott Burns
The tie is now on a knife edge after last week. Celtic need to pull something out. Their lack of a cutting edge is an issue, but they should be able to get over the line, even if it means going to penalties.
Kairat 1 Celtic 1 (Celtic go through on penalties)