A battle of bottom-placed sides unfolds at Almaty Central Stadium, the easternmost UEFA Champions League venue, as Kazakhstan-based Kairat Almaty host Belgian powerhouse Club Brugge on Tuesday, 20 January.
Keep close tabs on UEFA Champions League predictions after viewing our key Kairat vs Club Brugge tips below.
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Kairat vs Club Brugge prediction: Blue-Black to beat Kazakh giants
Key stats
- Kairat have lost each of their last three UCL fixtures by a single goal.
- The hosts have scored four and conceded 15 this UCL season.
- Club Brugge have been caught offside a competition-low two times this UCL term.
- The visitors have conceded three or more goals in four successive UCL games.
Correct score prediction: Kairat 1-3 Club Brugge
A 1-0 result saw Greek champions Olympiakos virtually eliminate Kairat from Europe’s premier club competition, and the hosts have nothing but pride to play for. Alongside Villarreal, Kairat are the only side goalless on home turf, an unwanted stat that dates back to Kairat’s final UCL qualifier.
In contrast, Club Brugge still have hopes of qualifying for the next round despite Arsenal thrashing them 3-0 last time out. Ivan Leko’s men have just one win this Champions League term, and have lost both away matches in the tournament by a combined 7-0 scoreline.
However, Kairat are expected to pose little threat to Brugge’s ambitions. With a play-off spot up for grabs, the visitors are hungry for a win that is bound to hand Rafael Urazbakhtin’s side a seventh straight winless UCL outing.
Pre-game odds and win probability: No doubts here
- HOME: 4/1 (5.00) – 20%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 3/5 (1.60) – 62.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Kairat haven’t played a competitive match since Olympiakos beat them early last month. The hosts are backed by odds of 4/1 (5.00), suggesting a 20% chance of a home success.
Club Brugge are in no better form, having failed to win both their competitive outings this calendar year. Nevertheless, they are considered favourites with odds of 3/5 (1.60) – a 62.5% win probability rate.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips page after analysing our Kairat vs Club Brugge predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting
The two sides have never met before, adding a layer of uncertainty to this encounter.
Kairat preview: Can they upset the odds?
Joao Paulo, Elder Santana and Ofri Arad are confirmed absentees for this home clash.
Predicted lineup: Anarbekov (GK), Mrynskiy, Baybek, Sorokin, Mata, Glzer, Gromyko, Jorginho, Satpaev & Santos
Last five matches:
- Varazdin 0-0 Kairat (Club Friendly)
- Kairat 0-1 Olympiakos (UEFA Champions League)
- Copenhagen 3-2 Kairat (UEFA Champions League)
- Inter Milan 2-1 Kairat (UEFA Champions League)
- Kairat 1-1 FC Astana (Kazakh Premier League)
Brugge preview: Almost at full strength
Simon Mignolet and Lynnt Audoor will sit this one out, while Christos Tzolis, Tristan van den Heuvel and Romeo Vermant are doubtful to appear as well.
Predicted lineup: Jackers (GK), Seys Mechele, Ordonez, Sabbe, Satnkovic, Vetlesen, Diakhon, Vanaken, Forbs & Tresoldi
Last five matches:
- Brugge 2-3 La Louviere (Jupiler Pro League)
- Charleroi 2-0 Brugge (Belgian Cup)
- Brugge 2-2 Stum Graz (Club Friendly)
- Genk 3-5 Brugge (Jupiler Pro League)
- Brugge 2-1 Gent (Jupiler Pro League)
Player to watch: Romeo Vermant
Although he is unlikely to start as he's still recovering from a knock, Vermant is expected to be in the Brugge squad come Tuesday, in time for the Champions League clash. The 21-year-old forward has found the net on five occasions across his last four appearances, and could inspire the Belgians to victory with a second half cameo.