Leader vs Outsider, Aktobe's Curious Pattern: Preview of Matchweek 12 in the Freedom QJ League

As a reminder, the match between Tobol and Zhas Kyran has been postponed to August 26, while the fixture between Caspiy and Kairat, on the contrary, will be played today – kickoff at 18:00.

Caspiy vs Kairat: David vs Goliath

The best team of the first half of the season will face the side currently sitting at the bottom of the table.

Those who see this match as a foregone conclusion should recall that in Almaty, the Aktau side gave the "yellow-and-blacks" a real fight – it was 2–2 on the scoreboard until the 82nd minute. Only late goals by Aliden Musaipov and Tore Ismagulov secured the win for the hosts.

After a crushing defeat to Aktobe in the previous round, Caspiy’s players will surely take the pitch highly motivated. This match could turn out to be much more competitive than expected.

Shakhter vs Atyrau: The High Price of a Slip-Up

After losing to Ordabasy last week and missing the chance to firmly lock in second place, Shakhter remain in a vulnerable position. Zhas Kyran and Irtysh are lurking close behind, ready to leap ahead in the medal race at the slightest misstep.

A win over Atyrau would be a big boost for Shakhter, but they can’t afford to relax – last round, the Oilers managed to take points from Irtysh. That 1–1 draw ended a four-match losing streak and gave Talgat Kazhigaliev’s team a dose of confidence heading into this round.

Ordabasy vs Kaisar: Visitors Plotting an Upset

Earlier, the Shymkent side managed to defeat two top teams in a row. In Matchweek 10, Ordabasy snatched a late win over Astana, then confidently beat Shakhter the following week.

Kaisar, meanwhile, can only boast two draws – against Taraz and Tobol, both fellow lower-table clubs. Can the Kyzylorda team spring a surprise in this round?

Irtysh vs Taraz: A Real Test for the Pavlodar Side

Irtysh are unbeaten in four matches, but last week they were unexpectedly held to a 1–1 draw by Atyrau. As for Taraz, the southerners suffered a heavy 1–4 loss to Kairat in their previous outing.

The visitors' main goalkeeper, Sanzhar Rakhmatilla, remains suspended for one more match due to the red card he received against Kaisar – meaning Daniyal Tileubai is expected to guard the goal once again. Will he be able to help his team take points from highly motivated Irtysh? The game will tell.

Astana vs Aktobe: Watching the Trends

The capital club is in a tough spot on the table, trailing fourth place by four points. A winless streak of four matches, including two defeats, is to blame.

Aktobe, meanwhile, have been extremely inconsistent – three wins and three losses in their last six games.

Interestingly, wins and losses have alternated one after the other – and in the previous round, the red-and-whites thrashed Caspiy. Does that mean the hosts are due for a win in the capital, or will Maksim Gabunov's side break this unusual pattern? We'll find out soon.