Rescheduled Matches: Freedom QJ League Matchweek 15 Preview

Aktobe – Ordabasy: will the gap get smaller?

The “Red-and-Whites” are neighbours with their Shymkent rivals in the standings, but there are nuances. On one hand, Ordabasy have a four-point advantage, but on the other – the western club still have a game in hand against Tobol. A positive result in this match will be crucial for both sides.

Kaisar – Irtysh: can the Wolves upset the visitors?

The Pavlodar team remain in the medal race, but a dangerous opponent awaits. Before their unexpected defeat to Jas Qyran in Almaty, the Kyzylorda side had drawn four matches in a row. Moreover, their last victory – over Aktobe – came at home. Irtysh, with just one win in their last five matches, will have to work hard to take three points from the Ghani Muratbayev Stadium.

Taraz – Tobol: will anyone break the winless streak?

Both teams enter the matchweek with a run of poor results – Taraz haven’t won in six consecutive matches, while Tobol’s winless streak is at five. The Kostanay side sit bottom of the table but have two games in hand, meaning they can still significantly improve their position – if they start winning now. Taraz, meanwhile, aim to reduce the gap to Aktobe, which will be difficult without a victory over Tobol.

Atyrau – Jas Qyran: visiting the “dark horse”

The Oilers have lost half of their matches so far. Even so, they’ve caused problems for several top-six sides, including their upcoming opponents – the earlier meeting in Almaty ended in a lively 2-2 draw. Jas Qyran will likely face a tough challenge, but dropping points to Atyrau would significantly reduce the advantage of the Almaty club, who are second in the table with a game in hand.

Kairat – Shakhter: the central match of the matchweek

The Miners, currently third, are pushing hard for Jas Qyran’s position. But they face Kairat – and many expect the Yellow-and-Blacks will inadvertently help their neighbours. Shakhter will also be without one of their key players, Naiman Satenov, due to injury. Still, anything can happen on the pitch, and Shakhter are certainly capable of surprising.

Caspiy – Astana: a test of ambition

If the capital side want to stay in the medal race, they cannot afford more mistakes. However, they have a tricky trip to Aktau ahead – the season’s main underdogs are enjoying a solid run. In the last three matchweeks, Caspiy managed to take points off Kairat, Kaisar, and even themselves in a postponed fixture – will the boys keep surprising?