Astana vs Celtic – What you need to know!
Rodgers reminds Celtic that nothing is won yet as hoops head to Kazakhstan with a five goal advantage.
Celtic may be going into the second leg of the Champions League qualifying round with a five goal lead although, Brendan Rodgers has issued a stern warning to his players that they cannot allow complacency to set in.
The manager was speaking to the media today and reminded them that his hoops side know there is a task ahead of them.
"“We worked very well in the first leg but we need to complete the job,We think of it as zero-zero, that is our approach and we want to get a good result.”"
💬 BR: "We’re just growing and developing at this level and we hope we can continue to do that." #UCL
— Celtic TV (@CelticTV) August 21, 2017
➡️ https://t.co/k8cGHAHL5k pic.twitter.com/HiP4cMSJBK
Rodgers could be without makeshift central defender Nir Bitton for the clash as the Israeli is struggling to overcome a foot injury he picked up on Saturday against Kilmarnock. This would be a significant blow to Celtic as they are already without center back’s Dedryck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko due to injury. Should Bitton fail to recover in time I suspect 19 year old Kris Ajer will stand in and partner Jozo Simunovic.
FC Astana
Fc Astana head coach Stanamir Stoilov took a more pessimistic view of the game when speaking to the media today admitting that “Celtic are 99% through to the group stages of the Champions League”.
The Kazakh side seem to be at full strength although the manager has conceded that there is little hope for his team.
"“Our chances are not so great, but anything can happen. But to be realistic, Celtic will be going through.”"
We're not Barcelona, there won't be a Champions League comeback says Astana manager Stanimir Stoilov https://t.co/0FPoCDMk7z pic.twitter.com/oN8zUEg4ui
— STV Sport (@STVSport) August 21, 2017
Match details:
Where: Astana Arena, Kazakhstan
When: Tuesday August 22nd 4:30pm BST/ 11:30am ET
How to watch/listen:
- BT Sport 2 (UK & Ireland)
- Celtic TV (USA/International)
- Fox Sports 2 (USA)
- BBC Radio Scotland
Need to know
- Celtic currently lead the tie 5-0 from the first leg thanks to goals from James Forrest, Scott Sinclair (2) and two OGs.
- In this exact fixture last year Celtic left the Astana Arena with a 1-1 draw. A similar result would see the hoops safely through to the group stages.
Next: Celtic promising no complacency in 2nd leg
- Celtic’s only other test against opposition from Kazakhstan was against Shaktar Karagandy in which the hoops prevailed 3-2 over two legs.