Shakhtar vs Turan. Match Preview and Prediction

OLIMPBET-Premier League. Matchday 3. March 30th. Karaganda. Shakhtar Stadium. 11:00.

Shakhtar (Karaganda) – Turan (Turkestan)

Where to watch: Q Arena, Q Football

After a three-week break due to national team matches, the KPL resumes with a match in Karaganda at the end of March, where it’s still so cold that the ‘miners’ are motivating fans to come to the stands with simple things like free hot tea or coffee from one of the club’s partners. Although, looking at the league table – perhaps offering something stronger would be more appropriate?

Shakhtar – Turan: Betting Odds

Shakhtar

In the first two rounds, in addition to the Karaganda team, Kyzyordinsky’s Kaisar conceded six goals and suffered two defeats, all at home (as if last season hadn’t ended). But while Viktor Kumykov’s men managed to score a prestige goal, the ‘miners’ failed even that – Shakhtar and Turan are the only teams in the KPL who have yet to score. A 0-5 loss to Ordy in Shymkent, a minimal defeat to Zhenis in Pavlodar (although a draw would have been more justified based on the game – whether 0-0 or 1-1) – and Karaganda fans once again criticize Igor Soloshenko. Despite not strengthening compared to the previous, not very successful season for the team, Shakhtar lost key players and the club has less money.

On the other hand, the team’s emotional boost should not be underestimated: starting the season at their stadium – not on a neutral field in another city (Astana Arena is closed for renovation, we remind) but on the familiar Shakhtar Stadium. Last season, by the way, fans actively supported the team, as local players set the tone, along with Kazakh performers in general. Therefore, the match against Turan, despite the terrible start and unfavorable weather conditions, could be a marker of the current team’s perception – and, perhaps, the home support could even become a slight advantage. So, Shakhtar should at least score a goal, or even better two, while ensuring they do not lose. Although Igor Soloshenko will set the team up for a victory, the miners will have the desire, but will they have enough skill?

Turan

Turkestan’s team also has no goals scored, like the miners, but the start of the season for Rinat Alyuetov’s side was not easy – firstly, due to their own squad shuffling (players hastily recruited in January-February, along with a coaching change), and secondly – their opponents were Tobol and Kairat. The freshly minted Super Cup winners and a team focusing on intensity, pressing, and movement. Therefore, the results of Turan can be seen from different perspectives – a 0-2 loss in Kostanay and a goalless draw at home (in Shymkent, at the Central Stadium named after Kajimukan Munaitpasov) – at least, not as bad as it could have been, considering the radically revamped squad.

Now, after three weeks of working on their attacking game, at least, Rinat Alyuetov’s team had time to prepare. It will be interesting to see what Turan can show at the Karaganda goal – although the challenging weather conditions (forecast around zero, with possible wet snow and wind gusts – the worst weather for football, a sharp contrast to the Turkish Belek where the team headed for another training camp! – goalkeepers will especially not envy such conditions). But overall, in terms of game content, even in this ‘spring football,’ Turan might look, possibly even better than Shakhtar. Without considering the home advantage, of course.

Shakhtar – Turan: Expected Lineups

In the opening match in Shymkent, the miners fielded three central defenders – but not only did they concede five goals, but they also did not showcase much in attack. Therefore, against Zenith, Igor Soloshenko introduced fresh forwards, benching Stamenkovich – and although a 0-1 defeat looks slightly better compared to 0-5 – I would assume that the coach will revert to the three central defender formation, allowing Savkiv and Alishauskas to play higher up the field. And the attacking duo of Ashortia-Asprilla can probably remain, expecting Tattybayev, Fluca, and Bachek as possible reinforcements. For Turan, judging by how the team trained and played friendlies in Turkey, it can be expected that the same lineup that secured points against Kairat in Shymkent (perhaps aided by the quality of the pitch – now Kairat will have a chance for revenge in the Cup round of 16 in April in Almaty!). Maybe Sokolenko could return on the right flank, pushing Kireenko to the bench.

Shakhtar – Turan: Author’s Prediction

The unsuccessful start for both teams could add motivation – for both the hosts and the visitors. The ‘miners’ could have their own tournaments and the overall factor of the team being ‘at home’ from last season, and at least, the desire to finally score against Turan! It’s worth noting that in four matches in the KPL – the penultimate season and in 2021 – Shakhtar has never scored against Turan: two goalless draws and two losses. Therefore, it makes sense to assume that this streak will be broken – especially since Rinat Alyuetov’s men are trying to play football and not sit back defensively, they also want to finally score in the KPL-2024! Hence, it might be wise to keep an eye on both teams scoring, but the option of exchanging goals as the preferred pre-match outcome seems even more appealing.