Form and Line-up Kairat Almaty
Urazbakhtin's side were unable to start Champions League qualifying as leaders of the Kazakhstan Premier League standings, with the gap to Ordabasy standing at one point, while their rivals have played two fewer matches. On the other hand, Kairat Almaty's attack leaves no questions: 34 goals in 18 league matches, and since 17 June the yellow-and-blacks have taken four wins in a row, scoring 3+ goals in each. Last Thursday, the home team thrashed third-placed Okzhetpes (5:0) — the squad test without Satpayev was passed successfully.
Key Numbers Kairat Almaty:
The Almaty side have suffered only two defeats in 17 games since the start of April.
Kairat Almaty made it through all four rounds of Champions League qualifying a year ago.
Kairat Almaty's squad is almost three times more expensive — 13.1 million euros against 5.1.
Probable Kairat Almaty line-up (4-2-3-1):
Temirlan Anarbekov — Luis Mata, Aleksandr Shirobokov, Aleksandr Martynovich, Yerkyn Tapalov — Dan Glazer, Jaakko Oksanen — Aleksandr Mrynskyi, Oiva Jukkola, Jorginho — Mark Gual.
Form and Line-up Sutjeska Niksic
The Montenegrin champions have started the current season with problems in terms of results. Sutjeska Niksic lost friendlies in succession to Borac, Mornar Bar (both 0:1) and Sarajevo (1:2). Pekovic's staff tried to use the newcomers actively — a number of fresh players should have a positive effect in European competition. At the same time, the away team had obvious defensive problems in last season's Montenegrin championship — 36 conceded in 36 matches.
Key Numbers Sutjeska Niksic:
Pekovic's team are on a run of four defeats, including the final match of last season.
Sutjeska Niksic have scored only one goal in three friendlies since 23 June.
Sutjeska Niksic's squad has changed significantly: eight newcomers and 12 players have left the club — all as free agents.
Probable Sutjeska Niksic line-up (4-2-3-1):
Vladan Giljen — Anto Babic, Boris Kapitovic, Andrija Raznatovic, Aleksa Golubovic — Jovan Cadjenovic, Aleksandar Scekic — Marko Simun, Kenroy Campbell, Aleksandar Boljevic — Marko Mrvaljevic.
Who Will Referee the Match
Dmytro Panchyshyn (Ukraine)
Matches – 14 (international matches and the Ukrainian Premier League, 2025/26);
Average fouls per match – 24;
Average yellow cards per match (including second yellows) – 3.8;
Matches with red cards – 1 of 14;
Matches with penalties – 3 of 14.
