Kairat — Zhenis : Match Preview and Prediction for September 22,2025

The Almaty side returns to their domestic league following a demanding trip to Lisbon. Their Champions League clash against Sporting ended in a resounding 1-4 defeat, a result that cannot be attributed to mere misfortune. The xG statistics, showing 4.25 versus 0.70, emphatically illustrate who controlled the game. This comprehensive defeat has undoubtedly drained the team, impacting both their physical and mental reserves.Currently, Kairat’s focus is far from their upcoming match against Zhenis. In just one week, they are set to host Real Madrid, and the entire media landscape is consumed by this monumental event. Business figures are reportedly offering cars to the players for a victory, while fans are eagerly besieging ticket offices in anticipation of tickets going on sale on September 23rd. In such a charged atmosphere, a fixture against a mid-table league opponent inevitably takes a backseat, if not a third-tier priority.Adding to their woes, Kairat is grappling with severe issues in their goalkeeping department. Key custodians Zarutsky and Anarbekov are both injured, forcing 18-year-old Sherkhan Kalmurza to step in between the posts. The club management is urgently seeking reinforcements and is considering signing 36-year-old Igor Shatsky as a free agent. This situation highlights the profound depth of their goalkeeping crisis.

Zhenis is far from being a pushover. The team currently holds a respectable seventh position, establishing themselves as a solid mid-table force in the Kazakh . Prior to their recent loss against Ordabasy, the club boasted an impressive eight-match unbeaten streak in the league, a testament to the team’s strong character and resolve.Furthermore, Zhenis has already demonstrated their capability to challenge top teams. Not long ago, they defeated Astana 3-2 on their home turf. Earning points against league giants is not unfamiliar territory for them. This team knows how to prepare for high-stakes matches and effectively compete against favorites.Zhenis’s statistics in away matches are particularly noteworthy. In 14 of their last 15 road games, the team has avoided defeat by more than a single goal. This remarkable consistency underscores their ability to withstand pressure and maintain composure, even when playing in hostile environments.