NK Olimpija Ljubljana are set to welcome Kazakhstani outfit Kairat Almaty in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifying tie on Tuesday, July 8. The fixture will take place at the Stadion Stožice, where the Slovenian champions aim to establish a first-leg advantage in front of their home crowd.
NK Olimpija Ljubljana vs Kairat Prediction
Olimpija Ljubljana
Olimpija Ljubljana wrapped up their PrvaLiga season with the strongest defensive record in the league and now shift their focus to European competition, entering the qualifiers well-prepared. Despite a goalless draw in their most recent competitive match against Bravo, they’ve shown attacking prowess with 12 goals scored in their last six outings.
Their preseason has also been encouraging, with three wins and a draw from four friendlies – and more importantly, three clean sheets. Home form remains a strength, with the Dragons emerging victorious in nine of their last 12 competitive home fixtures, scoring multiple goals in most.
However, manager Víctor Sánchez will be wary of a shaky finish to last season, in which his team failed to win six of their final seven league matches.
Kairat Almaty
Kairat come into this game in full match rhythm thanks to Kazakhstan’s ongoing Premier League season. Their latest outing was an emphatic 4-0 win over Turan, and they’ve scored in each of their last six matches, notching a total of nine goals during that run.
Defensively, they’ve conceded five times in those games, so they’re not invincible at the back. That said, their domestic form alone won’t be enough to guarantee success in European competition – especially away from home.
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Key Stats
- Olimpija Ljubljana have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches.
- Kairat have found the net in six consecutive games.
- The Kazakh club has lost three of their last eight games, all against local opposition.
- Only one goal was scored across Olimpija’s last two European fixtures.
- Kairat have seen under 2.5 goals in two of their last three matches.
Team News
Olimpija Ljubljana
Head coach Víctor Sánchez has two confirmed absentees:
- Pedro Lucas Schwaizer (knee injury)
- Marko Ristic (cruciate ligament tear)
These injuries may test the depth of their defensive structure but are unlikely to disrupt their starting XI significantly.
Kairat
Kairat have been hit harder by injuries, with several first-team players unavailable:
- João Paulo (ACL injury)
- Élder Santana (ACL injury)
- Luka Gadrani (torn ankle ligaments)
Their absence could impact Kairat’s creativity and defensive solidity.
Predicted Lineups
Olimpija Ljubljana (4-3-3):
Vidovsek – Pavlovic, Karamatic, Sualehe, Ratnik – Elsnik, Brekalo, Bristric – Diouf, Kvesic, Nukić
Kairat (4-2-3-1):
Shatskiy – Valiullin, Smakov, Maliy, Isael – Kenesov, Zaripov – Samorodov, Suyumbaev, Seryozhkin – Umarov
Pre-Match Odds
The odds are in favour of the hosts according to Ladbrokes:
- Olimpija to win: 7/10 (58.80% implied probability)
- Draw: 14/5 (26.30%)
- Kairat to win: 18/5 (21.70%)
Given their home advantage and strong European history, Olimpija enter the game as clear favourites.
Score Prediction
NK Olimpija Ljubljana 2-0 Kairat
While Kairat’s regular domestic schedule keeps them match-fit, Olimpija’s quality, home advantage, and defensive strength should be enough to secure a first-leg lead. The Dragons have looked composed and well-organized in pre-season, and with the visitors missing key players, a clean-sheet win for Olimpija looks like a likely outcome.
Olimpija Ljubljana’s recent form at home, combined with their European experience and solid pre-season run, suggests they’re well-equipped to handle the threat of Kairat in the first leg. With injuries to key players limiting the Kazakh side’s firepower, this could be the ideal opportunity for Olimpija to take control of the tie before heading to Almaty.
