The Champions League playoff round is reaching its climax as Celtic faces a crucial away game against Kairat Almaty. After a frustrating 0-0 draw in the first leg at Celtic Park, Brendan Rodgers' side travels to Kazakhstan needing a win to secure a place in the League Phase of the Champions League. The match is of immense importance, with the "glamour and riches" of the Champions League group stage at stake.
Celtic will have to overcome the daunting task of playing in Kazakhstan, where they have lost their previous two games. Kairat Almaty has a strong home record in qualification this season, not having conceded a goal yet. However, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has challenged his players to rise to the occasion. Rodgers rested several first-team players for their previous Premiership match against Livingston, which they won 3-0. Familiar faces have returned to the starting lineup for the crucial Champions League tie. Kasper Schmeichel starts in goal, with a back four of Kieran Tierney, Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Anthony Ralston. Callum McGregor captains the side, joined in midfield by Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren, while Daizen Maeda leads the attack, flanked by wingers Yang and Benjamin Forrest.
Meanwhile, in the Carabao Cup, Leeds United is set to face Sheffield Wednesday in a Yorkshire derby at Hillsborough. Both teams are preparing for the match with team news and predicted lineups being discussed. The game is scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and NOW TV in the UK. Leeds United enters the competition in the second round, facing a Sheffield Wednesday side that progressed through penalties against Bolton Wanderers.
Daniel Farke, the Leeds United manager, has stated that he takes the cup competition seriously and wants to progress to the next round. However, he also emphasized that the priority is Premier League survival. Changes are expected in the Sheffield Wednesday lineup for the cup tie. The match is available to watch live on Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting at 7 pm. The third-round draw will take place the following evening after the conclusion of Grimsby Town against Manchester United.
