Celtic face Livingston as the Scottish Champions return to domestic duty after the UEFA Champions League Playoff First Leg with Kairat Almaty…
Celtic 0-0 Kairat Almaty. Celtic’s Champions League hopes hang very much in the balance after they were held to a goalless draw in Glasgow by Kazakh side Kairat. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO / News Licensing
The Celtic support were left disappointed after a dull stalemate with the visitors from Kazakstan, which resulted in frustrations being directed towards the club’s board for their failure to bring in adequate transfer replacements ahead of the Playoff.
Now, Celtic require to make the sizeable journey and win to secure their place in the UCL League Phase. Although, before that, David Martindale’s Livi will be the visitors at Paradise.
Team News
Celtic go into the game without Adam Idah, Auston Trusty and Alistair Johnston. The Canadian Internationalist is expected to be out for around 12 weeks with a hamstring injury with Academy product Colby Donovan expected to come into the first team picture to compete with Tony Ralston for a place in the team. Trusty is out with a foot injury while Idah has a knock to the knee.
Alistair Johnston of Celtic is stretchered off after sustaining an injury during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Brendan has said that he will make a number of changes as he looks to freshen things up with Tuesday’s return leg in mind. There are limitations to what the manager can do given the lack of offensive recruitments.
Kasper Schmeichel will start in goals. The Danish Internationalist was an assured presence at the back in the midweek and his experience will be invaluable if a result is to be forthcoming.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 20: Kieran Tierney of Celtic arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
In defence, expect Kieran Tierney to continue with Liam Scales. However, there may be a debut for JSP, the loan signing from Manchester City as Cameron Carter-Vickers’ minutes are managed. Tony Ralston will start at left back. KT may even captain the side if CalMac starts from the bench.
In midfield, expect changes to freshen up the starting XI with Arne Engels, Paulo Bernado and Luke McCowan all coming in to start. Benji Nygren could very well start in the wide right role or, equally, Luke McCowan may be pushed to the left side of a front three.
Shin Yamada of Celtic FC in action during Como Cup match played between Al-Ahli and Celtic FCat Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
In attack, Celtic may require to start either Shin Yamada or Johnny Kenny through the middle with Yang and James Forrest vying to play out wide. The manager could play Yamada off the right, too. There are a number of combinations that the manager may consider but the reality is that there is not an abundance of quality options.
Predicted XI: Schmeichel; Tierney, Scales, JSP, Ralston; Bernardo, Engels, McCowan; Nygren, Shin, Yang.
Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Celtic looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Match Officials
Seasoned referee Kevin Clancy will take charge of the game. The experienced whistleblower will be assisted by David McGeachie and Chris Gentles.
Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House, Steven McLean is on VAR duties with Graeme Leslie assisting.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 3pm (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game will not be shown on TV. However, Celtic TV subscribers outside of Britain and Ireland will be able to watch the action from Paradise on the club’s streaming service with pre-match build up starting at 2:45pm.
Predicted Score
Celtic will get the job done and then focus on the Champions League challenge on Tuesday with a goal in each half in a 2-0 victory.
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Thats a ridiculous team suggestion!! Call yourself a Celtic supporter?? Ralston at left back?? Never ever will Celtic ever line up with that team
Why would you play KT at Rught back and Ralston at left back 😊