Will there be upsets? Preview of Matchweek 10 in the Freedom QJ League

Shakhtyor vs Tobol: What to expect from the Kostanay side?

Shakhtyor have had a strong season so far, with their only loss coming against Kairat. But this match isn’t so straightforward – in the last round, Tobol managed to take points from Astana.

Astana led 2–0 at halftime, but lost focus in the second half, allowing Tobol to equalize in the dying moments – 2–2. Notably, the same scoreline appeared when Astana faced Shakhtyor earlier, but it was the Karaganda side who dropped points then.

The star of the last round for Shakhtyor was Gleb Makridov, who had 2 goals and 2 assists against Kaisar. A week earlier, he registered 1+1 against Caspiy. Now he’ll face another bottom-three opponent. Will the Shakhtyor joker score for a third game in a row?

Caspiy vs Atyrau: A battle for crucial points

The league’s main underdog recently beat Ordabasy and almost stole points from Zhas Kyran. Now they face Atyrau – and both teams are fully motivated.

For Atyrau, it’s a chance to break their losing streak. For Caspiy – it’s an opportunity to leave the bottom of the table, assuming Tobol don’t upset Shakhtyor.

Kaisar vs Taraz: Will Rakhmatilla concede to the Wolves?

Taraz have been inconsistent lately: 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in their last five games. Kaisar have lost four of their last five, with the only win coming against Aktobe.

While the Wolves struggle to create chances (just 6 goals in 9 games), Taraz’s keeper has conceded in 7 of 9 matches – yet saved 28 out of 39 shots. The first goal in this match could be decisive.

Kairat vs Aktobe: A surprise in Almaty?

This is one of the headline fixtures of the round. Aktobe are 7th and trail Kairat by 15 points, but the home side will face a determined opponent.

Robert Asryan has 2 goals and 1 assist in the last 3 games – after going goalless in the first 6 rounds. Now in his third and final season in the League, this match could be a memorable one for the midfielder.

Irtysh vs Zhas Kyran: The medal race heats up

Both teams are in the medal hunt – Irtysh sit third with 18 points, Zhas Kyran are just one point behind. There's also a statistical curiosity: the Almaty side remain unbeaten, while Pavlodar have yet to draw. One of these streaks might end this weekend.

It won’t be easy for Zhas Kyran: 2 of Irtysh’s 3 defeats were by one goal, and Astana only beat them with a stoppage-time winner. Last week, Zhas Kyran struggled to beat Caspiy, scoring only in the 85th minute.

Astana vs Ordabasy: What to expect from Alen Pak?

Ordabasy are on a four-game losing streak, while Astana haven’t lost at home. Still, they’ve drawn their last two matches 2–2.

Both times, Alen Pak saved them from defeat – scoring 3 goals and providing an assist. Can the Shymkent side contain the in-form striker?