Key Clashes: What to Know Ahead of Matchweek 10 in the Freedom QJ League W

Shakhter – Ordabasy

The Karagandy side finished June as strong medal contenders but have since suffered five straight defeats. However, Sergey Polenov’s players still have a shot at the top three – with five matches left, they are only four points behind third place.

To keep the race alive, they must beat the team currently in third – Ordabasy. The southern side has been inconsistent lately, recording two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five games. How will the clash in Karagandy end?

Irtysh – Kairat

Another medal contender – Pavlodar’s Irtysh – will face the season’s dominant force, Kairat. The “yellow-and-blacks” continue to cruise through the tournament without trouble – can the hosts spring a surprise?

Zhetysu – Tobol

Last week, Tobol ended their four-match winless run with a victory over Shakhter. Now, the Kostanay team has another chance to claim three points as Denis Safronov’s squad heads to Taldykorgan.

Alina Sartayeva has 2+2 in her last two games – will Tobol’s top scorer improve her tally?

Aktobe – Astana

Before their heavy defeat to Kairat, the “red-and-whites” had won four in a row, so Astana won’t have it easy. Their first meeting ended in a comeback win for the capital side, with Sofia Rybak rescuing the situation in the 82nd minute. The upcoming match promises both intrigue and motivation for both teams.