Final Chord: Matchweek XXII Preview of the Freedom QJ League

Irtysh vs Atyrau: Will the visitors surprise?

The Pavlodar side has lost its chances for medals but, currently sitting sixth, can still either improve or worsen its position in the table. As for the “oilmen,” they haven’t won for almost three months – eight weeks in a row – and will surely aim to finish the season on a positive note.

Tobol vs Kaisar: Who will finish last?

This match between two outsiders will decide who ends up bottom of the standings. For Kaisar, their favorite result – a draw – would be enough to stay second from last. The hosts, meanwhile, are on a seven-game losing streak. Can they end the season with a long-awaited victory?

Caspiy vs Aktobe: Each side with its own motivation

The Aktau team had long been at the bottom of the table, but a hard-fought win over Atyrau in the previous week lifted them to ninth place. To secure it, they’ll need to beat the “red-whites,” who are guaranteed to finish eighth but are eager to redeem themselves after a 0:4 loss to Kairat last week.

Astana vs Zhas Kyran: The moment of truth

The central clash of the week will decide who becomes the league’s runner-up. Currently, Zhas Kyran sits second with 40 points. Astana is third with 39 – the same tally as fourth-placed Shakhtyor. The winner in the capital will guarantee silver medals, while the loser could be left without any podium spot. For the Almaty side, a draw will be enough to secure at least bronze.

Kairat vs Taraz: How will the champions close the season?

The early champions have one final match left to complete an unbeaten season. Their visitors, Taraz, currently seventh, still have a chance to climb higher. Askar Kushikbayev’s team is in excellent form, coming off four consecutive wins – a streak that gives them hope for a surprise result.

In this match, Daulet Orynbassar has the opportunity to become the league’s sole top scorer. His rival, Shakhtyor midfielder Gleb Makridov, who currently shares the lead with Daulet, will miss the final match due to suspension. Will Orynbasar score his 20th goal?

Shakhtyor vs Ordabasy: Can the Shymkent side influence the medal race?

Karaganda’s team risks missing out on medals for the third consecutive time in the final stretch. To avoid repeating that disappointment, they must defeat Ordabasy. The Shymkent club is a tricky opponent – they recently beat Irtysh and narrowly lost to Astana. Though the southerners are no longer in the medal race, it’s still important for them to defend fifth place from the chasing Pavlodar side.

It’s worth noting that Shakhtyor will be without their leader, Gleb Makridov, who will miss the last match of the season due to yellow-card suspension.