Tests for the Leaders — and Not Only Them: Matcweek V Preview – Freedom QJ League

Shakhtyor vs Kairat: Match of the Round

Shakhtyor are still unbeaten, but Kairat’s run of four confident wins looks even more dominant.

Both teams have leaders. For Shakhtyor: Gleb Makridov (3 goals, 1 assist) and Nikita Nefyodov (4 assists). For Kairat: Abilai Toleukhan (5+2), Daulet Orynbasar (3+1), and Beibarys Abilda (1+3).

Last season, Shakhtyor lost to Kairat twice in the U-17 league, but in Karaganda the hosts nearly won — Kairat equalized in the final minutes. That makes the outcome of this match hard to predict.

Irtysh vs Kaisar: A Test for the Wolves

Kaisar lost their first two matches, but then beat Caspiy and held Zhas Kyran to a draw.

Given previous results of Aktau and Almaty sides, this is not a huge surprise. Now in Pavlodar, they’ll get a shot at a real upset.

Irtysh currently sit second in the table. The only team they haven’t beaten? Kairat.

Tobol vs Taraz: A Tough One to Call

Last year, Tobol’s 2009-born squad beat Taraz narrowly twice – 0:1 and 1:2. Still, Taraz finished two places above them in the U-17 standings. Now, the trend looks similar.

Tobol are still winless this season – one draw followed by three defeats. A win over Taraz would help, but can they repeat last year’s outcome?

Ordabasy vs Aktobe: Can the Red-and-Whites Deliver Again?

Ordabasy are unbeaten so far – three draws and one win. Aktobe lost twice but crushed Tobol in the last round.

Shymkent have scored in every round. Zhanali Yesenaliev has three assists in three matches – can he make the difference again

Note: Ordabasy will miss Abdurakhman Orumbaev, who received a red card vs Atyrau. That might give Aktobe an edge.

Zhas Kyran vs Atyrau: Who Has the Edge?

Last season, their first meeting ended 0:0. In the second, Zhas Kyran dominated 4:0.

In the last round, Zhas Kyran dropped points against Kaisar – a team that had only beaten Caspiy before. Maybe Atyrau can follow that path too.

Astana vs Caspiy: Two Bad Runs Collide

Caspiy are the only team to have lost all four matches.

Astana started strong with a rout of Atyrau, but then dropped points: draws with Aktobe and Taraz, and a heavy defeat to Kairat.

This game could be Astana’s chance to grab three key points — and Caspiy’s shot to end their losing streak and bring hope to their fans.