7M - Arsenal Host Kairat Almaty in Final Champions League League Phase Clash
Posted Tuesday, January 27, 2026 by 7M Sport
Arsenal prepare to welcome Kairat Almaty to the Emirates Stadium for their concluding fixture of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase. The North London side enter this encounter having maintained a perfect record in Europe's premier club competition this season, securing victories in all seven of their previous league phase matches—a distinction that makes them the only team with a 100 percent win rate in the tournament.

The Gunners arrive following a 2-3 setback against Manchester United in their most recent Premier League fixture, a result that saw them surrender three points after failing to meet their usual standards. Despite this domestic disappointment, Mikel Arteta's squad has demonstrated exceptional quality on the continental stage and will aim to extend their flawless European campaign with another commanding performance at home.
Their opponents, Kairat Almaty of the Kazakhstan Premier League, face a challenging assignment traveling to North London. While the visitors have produced respectable displays in their domestic competition, their Champions League campaign has proven difficult. The Kazakh side currently occupy bottom position in the league phase standings, having failed to register a single victory across their six matches to date.
Key Players to Monitor
Gabriel Martinelli has emerged as Arsenal's most potent attacking threat in this season's Champions League, netting five goals in six appearances. Operating primarily from the left flank, the Brazilian forward will look to increase his tally and consistently trouble Kairat's defensive unit throughout the ninety minutes.
For the visitors, Edmilson represents Kairat Almaty's principal offensive option despite managing just one goal in six Champions League outings this term. The forward remains central to his team's attacking strategy and will need to elevate his contribution significantly to give his side any chance of causing an upset.
Team News and Availability
Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz and Max Dowman due to fitness concerns, while Riccardo Calafiori's inclusion remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Declan Rice is suspended and unavailable for selection.
Kairat Almaty will miss defender Azamat Tuyakbayev through injury. Midfielders Dastan Satpaev and Olzhas Baybek are also doubtful owing to fitness issues.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
This fixture marks the first competitive meeting between the two clubs in their histories.
Kairat Almaty have failed to win any of their last five matches across all competitions. Arsenal, meanwhile, have claimed three victories in their past five outings.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Magalhaes, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Norgaard, Merino; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Kairat Almaty (4-2-3-1): Anarbekov; Tapalov, Martynovich, Sorokin, Mata; Glazer, Kasabulat; Mrynskiy, Jorginho, Gromyko; Edmilson
Match Outlook
Arsenal are strongly favored to conclude their league phase campaign with an eighth consecutive victory. Given the significant gulf in quality, experience, and current form between the sides, a comprehensive home win appears the most probable outcome.
Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Kairat Almaty
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