Arsenal vs Kairat prediction, expected line-ups, how to watch and stats
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Arsenal end their Champions League campaign on Wednesday evening, welcoming Kairat to the Emirates with top spot already assured.
Mikel Arteta’s side arrive looking to reset after a frustrating 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend, a result which ended their unbeaten home run this season.
Despite this setback, Arsenal’s European campaign was almost flawless. Seven wins from seven ensured progress was sealed early, allowing Arteta to put in some serious rotation.
Kairat, on the other hand, had a difficult introduction to the competition. The Kazakhstan champions occupy last place in the standings with just one point from seven matches.
Their elimination has already been confirmed, which leaves Wednesday evening the opportunity to freely face the most notable teams of the tournament.
For Arsenal, the mission is simple: protect their star players while completing a perfect campaign in the championship phase.
How to watch Arsenal vs Kairat
Arsenal vs Kairat kicks off at 8:00 p.m. (UK) on Wednesday, January 28 at the Emirates Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.
Arsenal team news
With qualification and seeding already complete, Arteta is expected to rotate while keeping a strong attacking core in place.
Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz are close to returning and could feature on the bench, but neither are expected to start.
William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are unavailable due to minor issues, while Declan Rice and Mikel Merino are suspended after receiving yellow cards last week.
This opens the door for minutes on the pitch, with Noni Madueke in line for a start as Arsenal look to stretch Kairat early.
Expected Arsenal line-up:
(4-3-3) Arrizabalaga; White, Mosquera, Hincapié, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Nørgaard, Èze; Madueke, Gyökeres, Martinelli
News from the Kairat team
Kairat’s domestic season ended in October, leaving all the focus on Europe in recent months.
Dastan Satpaev missed the defeat against Club Brugge and remains doubtful, while winter signings Lucas Africo, Jaako Oksanen and Sebastian Zeballos are ineligible.
Beyond that, Rafael Urazbakhtin should field a team similar to the one that struggled throughout the league stage.
Depth has been tested repeatedly at this level, and rotation options are limited heading into their final matchup.
Expected composition of Kairat
(4-2-3-1) Anarbekov; Tapalov, Martynovich, Sorokin, Mata; Sadybekov, Glazer; Mrynskiy, Jorginho, Gromyko; Edmilson
Arsenal vs Kairat Stats
– This is only the second time that an English team has hosted a Kazakh club in European competition.
– Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 European matches against teams they face for the first time, winning 10.
– The Gunners have won all seven Champions League matches this season by a margin of two goals or more.
– No team in the history of the European Cup or Champions League has ever won eight consecutive matches by more than 2 goals.
– Kairat has taken just one point in seven league stage matches and conceded 19 goals.
– Only Ajax and Villarreal have trailed in the Champions League for longer this season than Kairat.
– Arsenal are the only team yet to trail at any point in the Champions League this season.
Arsenal vs Kairat Predictions
Arsenal should control this match from the early stages, even with rotation in the starting XI.
Kairat have struggled with pace and movement throughout the league stage, and the Emirates are unlikely to provide any respite.
With Arsenal already qualified, the focus is on performance levels, and this looks like an opportunity to play with freedom rather than caution.
We know Arsenal are capable of breaking away early and managing the competition afterwards. We’ll be backing them to achieve this record eighth successive European victory by two or more goals in style using the -3.5 Asian handicap at 9/10.
It’s really up to the hosts how many goals they want to score that night, but we’re willing to take the risk and back a game. Victory 5-0 at 7/1.
Madueke will score at 6/5 also appeals, given that he has scored three goals out of three in Europe. The winger could benefit from a confidence boost after failing to score or assist in the Premier League.