Who will win Celtic vs Kairat Almaty? Our writers deliver predictions for Champions League playoff first leg
To call it the dream draw would be ignoring the nightmares which have lurked for Celtic over the years during some treacherous nights in qualifying,
However, there's no doubt a tie against Kazakhstan's Kairat Almaty is one in which the Premiership champions' are expected to navigate with the minimum of fuss.
Brendan Rodgers is rightly railing against overconfidence but does believe he has the Celtic side capable of being too much for Almaty despite his wishes for extra players at his disposal.
Celtic have overcome Kazakhstan opposition on three previous occasions in Champions League qualifying and are aiming to do so again. Record Sport' s top team makes their predictions with one score standing out.
Michael Gannon
Kairat will come and try to park the bus but an early goal will set the tone and Celtic should be able to head to Kazakhstan with a fairly comfortable lead. Keeping the visitors out at the other end will be key.
Celtic 4 Kairat 0
Ryan McDonald
Celtic fans won't accept any excuses if they somehow crash out of the Champions League. This is arguably the most favourable draw and the Hoops should have enough in the locker to take a comfortable aggregate lead over to Kazakhstan.
Celtic 3 Kairat 0
Scott Burns
I would expect Celtic to get the job done at home. I think Brendan Rodgers' side will be too strong and they won't want to take any chances ahead of the second leg in Kazakhstan.
Celtic 3 Kairat 1
Mark Pirie
The Hoops proved last season that they are more than capable of getting big results in Europe. Celtic look weaker than last season after a sluggish summer transfer window, but should still have enough to navigate this tie and take a comfortable first leg advantage to Kazakhstan.
Celtic 2 Kairat 0
Andy Newport
The Hoops have a hell if a long way to go for the second leg next week. So you can be sure they will want to make sure they have a decent lead packed in their suitcase before setting off. They've got to cross five time zones to reach Kazakhstan but I can't see them wasting much time putting the tie to bed.
Celtic 3 Kairat 0
Scott McDermott
Given the difficulties of a midweek trip to Kazakhstan for the second-leg, there will be a real determination from Brendan Rodgers' side to effectively kill off the tie in Glasgow. Celtic are adept at making fast starts at home in Europe and if they get it right here they can blow Kairat away early - and make their away trek a lot easier than it might otherwise be.
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