Freedom QJ League returns: preview of Matchweek 7 of the flagship tournament

Irtysh vs Tobyl

The Pavlodar side, who claimed their first win of the season two matchweeks ago, suffered another defeat before the break, losing 5-2 to Aktobe. Still, they have a chance to climb off the bottom of the table as early as this weekend, as the visitors have now gone three matchweeks without a win. That said, three weeks have passed since the last game — and that only adds more intrigue to the upcoming clash.

Astana vs Aktobe

The capital side have won three and lost three of their previous six matches — with no draws. It is worth noting separately that in Matchweek 6, Astana beat Zhas Kyran, one of the season’s favourites.

However, that victory only came in added time, while the Red-and-Whites went into the break after confidently beating Irtysh. Astana look like the favourites, but Aktobe’s players will surely be looking to cut the gap that has opened up and begin the summer stage of the season with a positive result.

Taraz vs KFF Academy

The visitors travel to Taraz on the back of three straight defeats. The hosts, meanwhile, have won every home match so far. However, there have only been two of them, which is not a particularly representative sample.

Working in KFF Academy’s favour are a narrow defeat to Zhas Kyran (2-3), as well as a win over Ordabasy — albeit not without own goals and a penalty — and a 4-0 thrashing of Caspiy. On the other hand, the visitors will be without Nikita Lisokhmar for the upcoming match: one of their key players received a red card in the postponed Matchweek 2 game against Kaysar (0-3).

Shakhter vs Kaysar

A win in this match will be hugely important for the Karaganda side, as the Miners continue to chase Kairat and, after their only slip-up in Aktobe, trail the reigning champions by just two points. At the same time, the Wolves showed in their last match that they should not be written off. How will this meeting end — and will Rasul Akimov score another goal?

Caspiy vs Zhas Kyran

The visitors have dropped five points out of six over the last two matchweeks: first a goalless draw in Shymkent, then a defeat to Astana.

They are now five points behind Kairat and three behind Shakhter, meaning any further dropped points could lead to serious problems. Caspiy, meanwhile, still have only one win to their name — against Kaysar — but fans love football precisely because of its surprises.

Kairat vs Ordabasy

In the flagship tournament’s only Sunday match, Kairat will look to continue their triumphant run by claiming a seventh win in seven games, while Ordabasy will do everything they can to stay in the race for the top three.

It should be noted that Kairat forwards Roman Chernomorets and Daulet Orynbasar are currently level with Shakhter’s Rasul Akimov at the top both for goals scored and for overall goal contributions, with all three players on 6+2. Will the picture change after this matchweek?