In a classic top-versus-bottom encounter, Arsenal face Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium tonight in the final round of the Champions League league phase.
The Gunners, perched firmly at the summit of the table, are looking to close out a perfect European campaign, while their visitors, already eliminated, seek a memorable final bow on this prestigious stage.
Tonight’s match is a meeting of polar opposites. Arsenal arrive in imperious form, having won all seven of their Champions League matches this season, a feat that has already guaranteed them a top-two finish and direct passage to the last 16.
They are the competition’s most potent attack, having scored a joint-high 20 goals, while also boasting its meanest defence, conceding just twice. Manager Mikel Arteta will be eager for a response after a disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League last Sunday.
In stark contrast, Kairat’s debut campaign has been a harsh lesson. They sit at the very bottom of the 36-team league phase with just a single point from seven games, having conceded 19 goals, the highest tally in the competition.
Their European journey, which began all the way back in the first qualifying round in July, is ending with elimination, but the historic achievement of reaching this stage will not dampen the spirits of their travelling fans.
Team news and predicted lineups
With first place all but secured and a crucial Premier League fixture against Leeds United looming, Arteta is expected to make sweeping changes to his starting eleven.
The Gunners are without key midfielders Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, who are suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Defenders William Saliba and Jurriën Timber are also set to be rested due to minor niggles.
The match presents a prime opportunity for several squad players to gain valuable minutes. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to start, while defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori (if fit) could feature.
In attack, all eyes may be on Kai Havertz, who is working his way back to full fitness and could make a timely return.
For Kairat, their most promising talent, 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev (who will join Chelsea this summer), is a doubt after missing their last match through injury. Their winter signings are ineligible to play.
Here are the likely setups:
Arsenal probable setup (4-2-3-1):
Kepa; White, Mosquera, Hincapié, Lewis-Skelly; Nørgaard, Eze; Madueke, Havertz, Martinelli; Gyökeres.
Kairat probable setup (4-2-3-1):
Anarbekov; Tapalov, Martynovich, Sorokin, Mata; Glazer, Kasabulat; Mrynskiy, Jorginho, Gromyko; Edmilson.
Match prediction and betting perspective
Given the vast gulf in quality and form, all predictions point towards a comfortable Arsenal victory. The only intrigue lies in the margin.
Kairat have shown they can be overwhelmed by elite attacks, having conceded four or more goals in three of their seven matches, including a 4-1 loss to Club Brugge just last week. Even a heavily rotated Arsenal side possesses more than enough firepower to exploit this vulnerability.
Predicted score: Arsenal 4 – 0 Kairat Almaty. The Gunners should control the game from start to finish, using it as a confidence-boosting exercise and a chance for squad players to shine.
Key betting angle: The most compelling bet appears to be on Arsenal’s sheer dominance. Given their offensive record and Kairat’s defensive woes, backing Arsenal to win with a minus three goal handicap or for over 3.5 total goals in the match are considered strong possibilities.
How to watch
The match kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET at the Emirates Stadium. In the UK, coverage will be on TNT Sports 7 and the discovery+ app, while in the United States, the game will be shown on Paramount+ and ViX.
For Kairat, this is a celebration of a historic achievement.
For Arsenal, it’s a chance to build momentum, protect key players, and target a unique piece of history: no team has ever won eight consecutive Champions League matches by a margin of two or more goals.