Copenhagen vs Kairat: Preview, Predictions, Team News, and Lineups

On Wednesday evening, Kairat Almaty will face FC Copenhagen at Parken Stadium in a crucial UEFA Champions League match. Both teams are still seeking their first victory in the current league phase, sitting at the bottom of their respective group with just one point from four matches.

Copenhagen’s Champions League Struggles

FC Copenhagen has had a challenging start to this season’s Champions League campaign. Currently, they rank 33rd overall, having recorded one draw and three losses. The team has managed to score four goals but has conceded a staggering 12.

• Match results:
  • 2-2 draw vs. Bayer Leverkusen
  • 0-2 loss to Qarabag
  • 2-4 loss against Borussia Dortmund
  • 0-4 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur
• Copenhagen’s defensive issues are evident, as they have conceded at least two goals in their last six European matches.

Despite these difficulties, Copenhagen continues to boast a strong home scoring record, having found the net in their last 18 UEFA home appearances. Domestically, they sit in fourth place in the Danish Superliga, accumulating 28 points from their last 16 matches, including a recent 1-0 win over Brondby.

Kairat Almaty’s Similar Woes

Kairat Almaty also faces challenges in the Champions League, being ranked 34th with just one point from their four matches. They have scored only two goals and conceded 11 throughout the tournament.

• Match results:
  • 0-5 loss to Sporting CP
  • 0-6 loss to Real Madrid
  • 0-0 draw with Pafos
  • 0-1 loss against Inter Milan
• Goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov has been a standout performer, conceding only twice when faced with high expected goals.

Domestically, Kairat has found success in the Kazakhstan Premier League, winning the title with only three losses in the season. However, they remain winless in Champions League history, with five draws and five losses from 10 matches.

Team News and Expected Lineups

Both teams will be missing several key players due to injuries. FC Copenhagen has a lengthy injury list, including:

• Liam West – unavailable due to registration rules
• Thomas Delaney – recovering from a knock
• Birger Meling and Oliver Hojer – ruled out with injuries
• Magnus Mattsson – out with a cruciate ligament injury
• Rodrigo Huescas – sidelined with a knee issue

Kairat’s injuries include Joao Paulo and Elder Santana, both absent due to cruciate ligament injuries.

Possible Starting Lineups

FC Copenhagen may field the following players:

Kairat Almaty is likely to line up as follows:

Match Prediction

As both teams search for their first Champions League win, FC Copenhagen’s home advantage could be crucial. However, Kairat Almaty’s strong defensive setup and Anarbekov’s form may keep the match competitive. A predicted scoreline favors Copenhagen, possibly 2-1 against Kairat.