We break down what to expect from the upcoming U-18 fixtures.
Astana – Shakhter
Shakhter still have hopes of catching Kairat, although the second-placed side trail the leaders by nine points.
The main argument in Shakhter's favour is their defence: they have conceded just eight goals in 13 matchweeks. However, the Karaganda side have been considerably less convincing away from home. In seven matches in Karaganda, the Miners have scored 23 goals and conceded just once, while across six away fixtures they have only two wins, alongside three draws and their only defeat of the season – a 3-1 loss to Kairat.
Astana, meanwhile, have lost their last three matches, with all three defeats coming by heavy margins.
Shakhter won the first meeting 2-0, with Rasul Akimov scoring both goals. In Fantasy QJ League, he looks like one of the leading candidates for the captain's armband this matchweek.
Tobyl – Caspiy
Tobyl sit fifth with 18 points and a goal difference of zero at 13:13. No team in the competition, including those at the bottom of the table, has scored fewer goals.
The Kostanay side are in the top half not because of their attack, but thanks to their solidity: they have maintained their balance and have not conceded more than two goals in a single match. Tobyl are also considerably more productive at home than on the road, scoring 10 goals compared with just three away.
Caspiy are the only team in the competition yet to draw a match: three wins and ten defeats. The Aktau side have collected only three points away from home so far, but they did so in impressive fashion by thrashing Astana 5-1.
Tobyl won the first meeting in Aktau 2-1. The Kostanay side will be without defender Riza Zhumagul for the upcoming match as he serves the third and final game of his suspension following a red card.
Zhas Kyran – Kaisar
After eight matchweeks, Zhas Kyran were third with 16 points. They have collected just one point from their next five matches, dropped to sixth and head into Matchweek 14 on a run of three consecutive defeats.
Ninth-placed Kaisar are winless in five matches and trail the hosts by five points. The Kyzylorda side have managed only one victory in six away fixtures so far – a 3-0 win over KFF Academy in Almaty.
The first meeting between the teams in Kyzylorda ended in a 7-3 victory for Zhas Kyran. What will happen this time?
KFF Academy – Ordabasy
Ordabasy head into the match on a five-game winning streak: after eight matchweeks, the Shymkent side had only 11 points. They now have 26 and sit third in the table.
Their only home defeat of the season came against KFF Academy – 4-3, with Ordabasy scoring two own goals in that match. Now the youngest team in the flagship competition will try to repeat that success on home soil.
Ordabasy's players, however, have shown that they can also be convincing away from home, winning four of their six matches on the road.
Adilbek Turdakh also deserves a special mention. He has recorded 9+5 in goals and assists and is the only player in the competition ranked inside the top five for both goals and assists. That makes him a versatile asset in Fantasy QJ League.
Irtysh – Taraz
A match in which home advantage could prove decisive.
All eight of Irtysh's points have come in Pavlodar: two wins, two draws and two defeats with a 9:9 goal difference. Away from home, however, they have lost all seven matches by a combined score of 5:33.
Taraz have also struggled on the road: six matches, no wins, just one draw and only six goals scored. All 12 of their points have also been collected at home.
Irtysh goalkeeper Arseniy Katyetov is also worth highlighting. He has made 78 saves, more than any other goalkeeper in the competition. Judging by the numbers, he could have plenty of work to do once again.
Aktobe – Kairat
The reigning champions have been perfect this season: 13 wins from 13 matchweeks, 59 goals scored and just five conceded. Kairat have not allowed more than one goal in any match.
The Red-and-Whites, meanwhile, have lost only once at home so far – 2-1 against Ordabasy – and picked up points in each of their other five home fixtures. Their first meeting with Kairat, however, was a difficult one, ending in a 6-0 defeat in Almaty. Can Aset Aitmagambetov's side spring a surprise?
