FC Copenhagen and Kairat Almaty are preparing for a Champions League basement battle this Wednesday night, with both clubs still on the lookout for their first win in the competition this season.
The Danish giants still have time to turn things around and make the top 24, while their opponents are still finding their feet in what is their maiden Champions League adventure.
Can the hosts prevail in Wednesday’s clash, or will Kairat produce an almighty shock? Read our FC Copenhagen vs Kairat Almaty prediction and preview to find out, but don't forget to also check out some of our other Champions League predictions.
Contents
- 1 FC Copenhagen vs Kairat Almaty prediction: Hosts eye breakthrough
- 2 Correct score prediction: Copenhagen 3-1 Kairat Almaty
- 3 Pre-game odds and win probability: Copenhagen huge favourites
- 4 Most recent H2Hs: First ever meeting ahead
- 5 FC Copenhagen preview: Lions rejuvenated
- 6 Last five matches
- 7 Kairat Almaty preview: Visitors had plenty time to rest
- 8 Last five matches
- 9 Player to watch: Jordan Larsson
FC Copenhagen vs Kairat Almaty prediction: Hosts eye breakthrough
Key Stats
- Copenhagen have the second-worst defensive record in the Champions League this season, conceding 12 goals
- Copenhagen have found the back of the net in their last 18 European home games
- Kairat are looking to become the first team from Kazakhstan to win a Champions League match
- Kairat have lost seven of their last 10 European away matches
Correct score prediction: Copenhagen 3-1 Kairat Almaty
Copenhagen have only won two of their last 16 Champions League group stage/league phase matches, yet they still enter Wednesday’s encounter as overwhelming favourites.
The Danes, who come into this game on the back of a confidence-boosting league victory over Brondby, will be determined to make a breakthrough on the continental stage against a struggling Kairat outfit.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Copenhagen huge favourites
HOME: 33/100 (1.33) – 75.20%
DRAW: 17/4 (5.25) – 19.00%
AWAY: 7/1 (8.00) – 12.50%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
It's clear from these FC Copenhagen vs Kairat Almaty odds that the bookies expect a win for the home team.
Nevertheless, if you liked our predictions for this game, remember to also check our betting tips for today.
Most recent H2Hs: First ever meeting ahead
This season has already marked a lot of firsts for Kairat Almaty, and that trend will continue on Wednesday when the Kazakhstan side take on FC Copenhagen for the first time ever.
Kairat have previously competed with Danish opposition, losing over two legs against Esbjerg in a 2014 Europa League qualifier.
FC Copenhagen preview: Lions rejuvenated
After enduring back-to-back defeats just before the international break, it was important for Copenhagen to bounce back with a win over rivals Brondby last weekend.
Jacob Neestrup and his men have only lost one of their last 10 home games, and they will be looking to maintain that run, despite missing a handful of players.
Junnosuke Suzuki picked up an injury against Brondby and he is a doubt for Wednesday’s Champions League encounter. Meanwhile, Oliver Hojer, Rodrigo Huescas and Magnus Mattsson are all sidelined with injuries.
Predicted lineup: Kotarski (GK), Lopez, Hatzidiakos, Gabriel Pereira, Garananga, Achouri, Madsen, Lerager, Larsson, Elyounoussi & Cornelius
Last five matches
Copenhagen 1-0 Brondby (Danish Superliga)
Vejle 2-0 Copenhagen (Danish Superliga)
Tottenham 4-0 Copenhagen (Champions League)
Copenhagen 3-2 Fredericia (Danish Superliga)
Hobro 1-4 Copenhagen (Danish Cup)
Kairat Almaty preview: Visitors had plenty time to rest
Kairat Almaty have not played a competitive game since their 2-1 defeat to Inter Milan at the start of the month. The Kazakhstan champions will either be rested or rusty as they look to end their three match winless run across all competitions.
In terms of injuries, the visitors are without their Brazilian duo of Elder Santana and Joao Paulo – both of whom are struggling with knee problems.
Predicted lineup: Anarbekov (GK), Machado Mata, Sorokin, Shirobokov, Mrynskiy; Kasabulat, Arad, Satpaev, Jorginho, Tapalov & Edmilson Santos
Last five matches
Inter Milan 2-1 Kairat Almaty (Champions League)
Kairat Almaty 1-1 FC Astana (Kazakhstan Premier League)
Kairat Almaty 0-0 Pafos (Champions League)
Kyzylzhar 0-1 Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan Premier League)
Kairat Almaty 5-0 Zhetysu (Kazakhstan Premier League)
Player to watch: Jordan Larsson
Copenhagen forward Jordan Larsson bagged the winning goal against Brondby at the weekend – a goal which extended his impressive run of three goals in his last seven games at home.
His last goal in the Champions League came all the way back in September when Copenhagen held Bayer Leverkusen to a 2-2 draw.