Will there be upsets? Matchweek 9 preview of the Freedom QJ League

Aktobe vs Taraz: will home advantage help the Red-and-Whites?

Taraz, who defeated Atyrau at home last weekend, now travel to face another western team – Aktobe.

Sitting sixth in the table, Askar Kushikbayev’s team is just four points off the medal zone, so they’ll be looking to avoid a slip-up away from home.

It’s worth recalling that in Matchweek 2, Aktobe held Astana to a draw at home – so this should be a competitive game.

Shakhtyor vs Kaisar: a test of ambition

Shakhtyor may be disappointed with their last match – they led Astana 2:0 late in the first half but only managed a draw. Still, they remain in the top three.

Kaisar, meanwhile, picked up their second win of the season last weekend, beating Aktobe. Alibek Zharilkassynuly had a standout game with a goal and an assist. Can he do it again against tougher opposition?

Ordabasy vs Irtysh: can the southern side get back into the medal race?

Ordabasy are on a three-game losing streak, while Irtysh ended their own poor run with a dominant win over Tobol. Notably, Irtysh lost only to top teams like Astana and Shakhtyor, while Ordabasy fell to Taraz, Kairat, and even Caspiy.

All eyes will be on Beybarys Abilmanov and Almas Rakhimbek, who recorded three goal contributions each last round. And can forward Zhanali Yesenaliev rediscover his scoring form?

Zhas Kyran vs Caspiy: another surprise from the Aktau side?

The Almaty team remains unbeaten – last weekend’s derby against Kairat ended in an intense 2:2 draw.

Now Sergei Kirov’s squad faces Caspiy, who finally picked up their first win of the season after seven straight losses. Can they deliver another surprise for their fans?

Atyrau vs Kairat: what have the Almaty side learned?

After dropping points for the first time last weekend, Kairat will be keen to bounce back in Atyrau.

The Oilers, meanwhile, are in a rough patch: after a five-game unbeaten run, they’ve now suffered two painful defeats to Aktobe and Taraz. Yet they’ve proven their mettle before, drawing with Shakhter and Zhas Kyran. Will Talgat Kazhigaliev’s game plan work this time?

Tobol vs Astana: an unpredictable match

Astana’s recent form has ranged from narrow wins (2:1 vs Kaspy) to complete demolitions (10:0 vs Kaisar). Tobol, with just one win in eight matches – against Caspiy – will have their hands full.

Last weekend, Astana narrowly avoided a loss to Shakhter. It remains to be seen how that performance will shape their approach to this fixture.