Kairat Almaty vs Levski Sofia Preview
Kairat Almaty are a hard-to-beat side and Levski Sofia are on a long unbeaten run. Sofia will want to protect their 1-0 lead from the first leg and a Champions League draw is predicted.
Levski Sofia Unbeaten in 16
- Kairat Almaty are unbeaten in 15 of their last 18 matches.
- Levski Sofia are on a 16-match unbeaten run.
H2H
Levski Sofia beat Kairat Almaty 1-0 in the only previous encounter.
Kairat Almaty Tough to Beat
Kairat Almaty are in good form and have lost just two of their last 12 fixtures in all competitions.
The Yellow-Blacks were undefeated in eight, including seven wins, before a 1-0 Champions League loss at Omonia Nicosia.
Rafael Urazbakhtin’s team responded with a 2-1 league victory against Ordabasy. They also beat Omonia Nicosia 1-0 in the second leg qualifier before winning 6-5 on penalties.
The Khazakstani side couldn’t extend their winning run and lost 1-0 at Levski Sofia. Kairat had no shots, 29% possession and conceded in the 92nd minute.
Levski Sofia Draw Often on the Road
Bulgarian side Levski Sofia are on a 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions and have won 11.
The Blues are also undefeated in five Champions League matches this season, winning three and drawing two. They have drawn both of their Champions League away games at Borac Banja Luka 1-1 and Universitatea Craiova 2-2.
Julio Velazquez’s outfit have won three consecutive matches since the Universitatea Craiova stalemate. Levski Sofia beat Kairat Almaty 1-0 at home in that streak and dominated with 13 shots and 71% possession.
The Blues also beat Lokomotiv Plovdiv 2-0 on Friday. David Kusso and Reinaldo scored and Sofia had eight shots on target.
Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News
Kairat Almaty (4-4-3): Temirlan Anarbekov; Alexander Mrynskiy, Aleksandr Martynovich, Lucas Africo, Luis Machado Mata; Gustavo Mendonsa, Jaakko Oksanen, Olzhas Baybek; Marc Gual, Edmilson, Oiva Jukkola
Striker Jorginho is ruled out with a cruciate ligament injury.
Levski Sofia (4-3-3): Svetoslav Vutsov; Aldair Neves, Kristian Dimitrov, Nikola Serafimov, Alejandro Centelles Plaza; Mehdi Moubarik, Gasper Trdin, Serginho; Armstrong Oko-Flex, Bala Everton, Reinaldo
Levski Sofia have no injuries or suspensions.
Midfielder Serginho has three goals and one assist in his last five games and is likely to start.