Kairat Almaty vs Sutjeska Predictions
Kairat Almaty look like a reliable choice to claim a dominant home win in Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier.
The hosts are already deep into their domestic season and should prove too strong for their undercooked opponents.
I have my money on Kairat Almaty to win and over 2.5 goals.
Kairat Backed in Almaty
- Kairat Almaty won their last 4 matches
- Kairat Almaty have seen over 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 8 matches
- Sutjeska lost 4 of their last 5 matches
Kairat and Sutjeska Set For First Meeting
Kairat Almaty and Sutjeska have not previously met in a competitive fixture.
Kairat Maintain Impressive Form
Kairat Almaty turn their attention to Champions League qualifying in excellent form. Rafael Urazbakhtin’s side warmed up for Wednesday's matchup with a commanding 5-0 win against Okzhetpes in the Kazakhstan Premier League.
Marc Gual bagged a first-half brace as Almaty eased to victory at Almaty Central Stadium.
Kairat have enjoyed a superb run in recent weeks, scoring 15 goals while winning each of their last four Premier League fixtures.
The Yellow-and-Blacks created history last season, becoming the first Kazakh side to reach the league phase of the Champions League.
Kairat secured that historic qualification after a shock win against Scottish champions Celtic, but picked up just one point from eight league-phase fixtures.
Out-of-Form Sutjeska Facing Tough Trip
Sutjeska make the long trip to Kazakhstan after a friendly defeat against Sarajevo. The Montenegrins slipped to a 2-1 home reversal with Aleksandar Boljevic’s penalty proving consolation only.
The Montenegrin champions have yet to find form during their pre-season. Milorad Pekovic’s side have lost each of three warm-up fixtures.
Back in the Champions League qualifiers for the first time since 2022, Sutjeska tend to struggle in continental competition.
The Montenegrins have lost four of their last five European fixtures, while winning just three of their last 15 continental matches across the past four seasons.
A poor away record has also hindered their progress, with Sutjeska winning just one of 20 European road matches since 2003.
Kairat Almaty vs Sutjeska Team News
Kairat Almaty: (4-2-3-1) Temirlan Anarbekov; Yerkin Tapalov, Alyaksandr Martynovich, Lev Kurgin, Luis Mata; Adilet Sadybekov, Dan Glazer; Aleksandr Mrynskiy, Jorginho, Sebastian Zeballos; Marc Gual
Kairat are unable to call on Chelsea-bound teenager Dastan Satpaev, who will join the English club this summer.
Recently acquired Spanish striker Marc Gual is likely to feature for the home side.
Sutjeska: (4-2-3-1) Vladan Giljen; Aleksa Golubovic, Rados Dedic, Boris Kopitovic, Andrija Raznatovic; Aleksandar Scekic, Marko Simun; Vasilije Cavor, Jovan Cadjenovic, Kenroy Campbell; Slobodan Babic
Sutjeska have several new faces available, with Jamaican winger Kenroy Campbell and Serbian striker Slobodan Babic both in contention to start.
Montenegro international Aleksandar Boljevic is another arrival who could feature for the visitors.