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Sutjeska Niksic will hope to overturn a one-goal deficit when they host Kairat Almaty in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
The hosts suffered a 2-1 defeat in the first leg of this tie and will hope to halt their losing streak with a victory.
Kairat Almaty, on the other hand, will be eyeing their sixth consecutive win.
Read our Sutjeska Niksic vs Kairat Almaty prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Sutjeska Niksic vs Kairat Almaty key stats
- Five of Kairat Almaty's last seven games produced goals at both ends.
- Kairat Almaty have opened the scoring in seven consecutive matches.
- Sutjeska Niksic conceded first in each of their last five fixtures.
Sutjeska Niksic vs Kairat Almaty preview: Business as usual for the visitors?
Sutjeska Niksic vs Kairat Almaty — Tale of the Tape
| Sutjeska Niksic | vs | Kairat Almaty |
|---|---|---|
| N/A (Montenegrin CFL) | Position | 2nd (Kazakhstani Premier League) |
| N/A | Points | 39 |
| N/A | Goals For | 34 |
| N/A | Goals Against | 12 |
| N/A | Clean Sheets | 10 |
| N/A | Home / Away Rank | 1st |
Sutjeska Niksic’s struggles continued with a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in Almaty last Wednesday. Even though they scored the equaliser in the 90th minute, Kairat hit back just a couple of minutes later to snatch the winner.
Milorad Pekovic’s troops are currently going through a rough patch, having lost five consecutive matches across all competitions. However, they have lost only one competitive home game in 2026.
It is worth mentioning that the hosts have never qualified for the group phase of any UEFA club competition. In fact, they have not gotten past the first qualifying round of the Champions League since the 2019/20 season.
On the positive side, there are no injured or suspended players for Sutjeska ahead of this skirmish.
In contrast, Kairat Almaty have enjoyed some fine form, stringing together a five-match winning streak in which they have averaged over three goals.
Unlike their opponents, the visitors have reached the group stage of UEFA competition a couple of times in the past. In fact, Rafael Urazbakhtin’s side advanced to the league phase of the Champions League last season, although they earned only one point and finished last in the 36-team table.
Kairat will be without Chelsea-bound teenage forward Dastan Satpaev once again, as the 17-year-old is on course to officially join the London giants later this summer. The Kazakh side have no injuries or suspensions to worry about.
It is also worth mentioning that the winner of this two-legged tie will face Omonia Nicosia in the second qualifying round.
Sutjeska Niksic vs Kairat Almaty form guide & betting tips
| Sutjeska Niksic | vs | Kairat Almaty |
|---|---|---|
L
|
Champions League Qualification Form |
W
|
| 3 | Goals For | 17 |
| 9 | Goals Against | 4 |
L
L
L
L
L
|
Form (All Comps) |
W
W
W
W
W
|
Whispers Predicts: Sutjeska Niksic 1-2 Kairat Almaty
Despite being on the road, Kairat Almaty are considered favourites by the bookmakers at 3/4 (1.75).
These teams are on opposite sides in terms of form, as Kairat Almaty have won five in a row, while Sutjeska Niksic have lost five consecutive matches. Considering Sutjeska’s poor track record in continental qualifiers, we are confident that Kairat will emerge victorious after 90 minutes.
Moreover, Kairat’s last five games have all gone above the 2.5-goal threshold, and this can be backed at 4/6 (1.67).
We also fancy Kairat Almaty & BTTS – Yes at 23/10 (3.30). This combination landed in three of the visitors' last four outings, including the first leg of this tie.
> Over 2.5 total goals at 4/6 (1.67) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 7/10 (1.70) | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result: Kairat Almaty at 3/4 (1.75) | Likelihood: Probable
> Kairat Almaty & BTTS – Yes at 23/10 (3.30) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct Score: 1-2 at 36/5 (8.20) | Likelihood: Outsider