Season's final weekends: what to know ahead of Matchweek 12 in the Freedom QJ League W

Shakhtyor – Kairat

For the Almaty side, this match could become “golden” – the season’s main leaders only need to avoid defeat against the Karaganda team to secure the title early, eliminating any hypothetical scenarios in favor of Astana.

At the same time, Shakhtyor are still fighting for bronze. If Sergey Polenov’s squad lose, they will seriously complicate their situation – which means the “Cinderellas” will surely try to achieve what no one else has managed this season.

Irtysh – Tobol

Pavlodar’s team has the easiest schedule among all bronze contenders – in the last two rounds, Irtysh will face Zhetysu and Aktobe. In addition, they hold a one-point advantage.

However, none of these advantages will guarantee medals if Kseniya Postovaya’s side lose to Tobol. The Kostanay team is currently in strong form – two wins and one draw in their last three games. And despite not having played Kairat yet, Denis Safronov’s squad will undoubtedly put everything into the fight for a podium finish until the very end.

Aktobe – Zhetysu

Aktobe still have their own ambitions. Even though the “red-and-whites” sit in the penultimate place with three rounds to go, the table remains tight, and the team can still significantly improve their result. As for Zhetysu, the main outsiders of the season remain without a single point – but they are clearly determined to change that.

Ordabasy – Astana

Although the fate of the gold medals now hardly depends on Astana, the capital’s club must keep winning and hope for the best. Moreover, formally Bolat Saginbayev’s team have not yet guaranteed silver – but they will do so if they win in the upcoming round. Will Ordabasy lend Irtysh a hand? We’ll find out soon.