Football Bet of the Day: Timing is just right for Kazakhstan champions

There is Champions League qualifying action to take in on Wednesday with four more first-round matches taking place, including the clash between Kairat Almaty and Sutjeska at Almaty Central Stadium (8pm local, 4pm BST).

Home advantage could prove crucial at the Almaty Central Stadium and hosts are expected to pick up a routine win to strengthen their chances of progression. Read on for my Football Bet of the Day for Wednesday 8 July.

While the 2026 World Cup continues, the first round of qualifying for the Champions League marks the start of a new season and there are several teams in action this week.

However, one team currently in the midst of their domestic campaign is Kairat Almaty, who will expect to outclass Sutjeska of Montenegro in Wednesday’s first leg.

Kairat managed to reach the League Phase of the Champions League last year, but they failed to win any of their games and finished rock bottom of the 36-team standings.

The fact they beat Celtic to qualify was an achievement in itself, but they were up against it after taking on Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid, Pafos, Inter Milan, FC Copenhagen, Olympiacos, Club Brugge and Arsenal.

Domestically, they are right up there, with Rafael Urazbakhtin's team second in the league and only a point behind Ordabasy.

More importantly, Kairat are bang in the middle of their campaign and played in the Kazakh Premier League last week, winning 5-0 against Okzhetpes.

That marked their fourth win in a row and they have scored two or more goals in all of those victories.

Kairat Almaty vs Sutjeska Odds

Sutjeska were crowned champions of the Montenegrin First League last season, but their campaign ended in May.

They have played three friendlies since the end of June and lost each of those ties, while they failed to trouble the scoresheet in two of those games.

A trip to Almaty is the last thing they want, especially when Kairat have lost only two of their last 15 games in all competitions.

Kairat are also unbeaten in eight home games since the start of March and the fixture list looks to have fallen kindly for the hosts.

They should be able to dominate from the outset against a team that is lacking in match sharpness.

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Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

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