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Kazakh champions Kairat Almaty will look to overturn a one-goal deficit when they host Cypriot outfit Omonoia Nicosia at the Almaty Central Stadium on Wednesday in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
The home side's first-leg clash against Omonia did not go as planned, as they suffered a narrow loss away from home, putting them on the brink of losing out on the UCL league phase.
Meanwhile, the visitors are heading for the second leg looking confident and determined to hold on to their advantage.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Kairat vs. Omonoia key stats
- Omonoia are in good form at home, having stayed unbeaten in their last 10 home games across all competitions.
- Kairat have not lost in their last seven away games across all competitions.
- Omonoia have failed to keep a clean sheet in four of their last five games across all competitions.
Kairat vs. Omonoia preview: Hosts looking to overturn first leg deficit
Kairat vs. Omonoia — Tale of the Tape
| Kairat | vs | Omonoia |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Position | 1st |
| 45 | Points | 87 |
| 39 | Goals For | 88 |
| 14 | Goals Against | 24 |
| 10 | Clean Sheets | 21 |
| 4th/1st | Home / Away Rank | 1st/1st |
Kairat return for the second leg knowing they must overturn a one-goal deficit to keep their UEFA Champions League campaign alive.
The hosts have enjoyed another strong season both domestically and in Europe, sitting top of the table in their league.
After lifting the Kazakhstan Premier League title last year, Kairat eased through the opening qualifying round by defeating Sutjeska 4-1 on aggregate.
The Kazakh champions were then beaten in the second round 1-0 in the first leg against Omonia, leaving them with little margin for error.
Their recent defeat in Europe has put their continental campaign in a precarious position as they look to book a place in the third qualifying round.
Although they bounced back from the defeat in the league with a 2-1 victory over Ordabasy, they will need to build on that performance in the second leg against the Cypriot side.
Rafael Urazbakhtin's side have also made Central Stadium a difficult venue for visiting teams, going unbeaten in their last nine home league games.
Omonoia, meanwhile, travel to Kazakhstan with a narrow advantage after edging the first leg and will be aiming to finish the job away from home.
The Cypriot champions returned to the Champions League after a dominant domestic campaign that saw them finish 18 points clear of AEK Larnaca at the top of the league standings.
The visitors also carry encouraging momentum into the return fixture, having built up their fitness with pre-season friendlies.
They have not lost any of their last five matches, a run that includes four friendlies as well as last week's first-leg victory.
They have also shown a reasonable amount of defensive solidity by keeping a respectable two clean sheets in their last five games.
Having combined defensive discipline with solid recent form, Omonoia will believe they have what it takes to protect their lead and progress to the next round.
Kairat vs. Omonoia form guide & betting tips
| Kairat | vs | Omonoia |
|---|---|---|
WWWLW |
Form | WDDWW |
| 9 | Goals For | 7 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 4 |
WWL |
Champions League qualification | W |
Whispers predicts: Kairat 1-1 Omonoia
Following the outcome of their previous meetings, we are predicting a full-time draw for this return leg encounter.
Kairat have a good home record heading into this clash despite their first-leg loss and will be looking to exploit their advantage.
However, Omonoia are also a strong side that have maintained a good defensive record and are also in good form in their last five games.
With a tight game expected, a hard-fought 1-1 draw will allow the Cypriot side to secure progression to the next round on aggregate.
The bookmakers have tipped Kairat as slight favourites at 23/20 (2.15) odds to win the match, reflecting their strong home form.
A draw is currently valued at 23/10 (3.30), while an away victory for Omonoia FC is given at 23/10 (3.30).
The option for under 2.5 goals is set at 13/20 (1.65), while both teams to score (yes) is valued at 10/11 (1.91). Also, the away team double chance is given at 4/6 (1.67).
> Full-time draw at 23/10 (3.30) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 13/20 (1.65) | Likelihood: Possible
> Both teams to score (yes) at 10/11 (1.91) | Likelihood: Probable
> Away team double chance at 4/6 (1.67) | Likelihood: Possible