In their first Champions League qualifying match, Almaty's Kairat will host Montenegrin side Sutjeska. The Kazakhstani champions enter this match in excellent form, having won their last four Premier League matches, scoring at least three goals in each. Kairat is particularly strong at home: they haven't lost at the Central Stadium since October of last year, and last season, the Almaty team won three of their four home qualifying matches without conceding a single goal. Furthermore, the team is in good shape midway through the season, while the Montenegrin championship ended back in May.
Sutjeska, meanwhile, is just getting ready for the start of the new season and played only a few friendlies this summer, which, judging by the statistics, ended poorly—three defeats in a row. Furthermore, the Montenegrins have limited European experience: in their history, the club has only advanced past the Champions League qualifying round once. It's telling that even in their domestic league, Sutjeska hasn't demonstrated consistency, losing one of their last matches to Edinstvo 3-1.
Given the huge difference in team spirit, home field advantage, and Kairat's greater European experience, the hosts are expected to win comfortably.
