Sporting CP vs Kairat Almaty Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26

This will be the first-ever encounter between these clubs.

Sporting CP are all set to battle it out against Kairat Almaty in what is going to be the matchweek 1 league phase fixture of the UEFA Champions League 2025-26. The interesting fixture is scheduled to take place at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Sporting Club de Portugal will be the host and it is going to be one of the advantages for them. They have started their new season on a positive note, and with their current form, they will be feeling confident coming into their opening UEFA Champions League fixture.

Getting ready for @ChampionsLeague ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/wj5PwBAKC5

— Sporting CP English (@SportingCP_en) September 16, 2025

Kairat Almaty defeated Celtic in their UCL qualifier, and they are now in the league phase of the European competition. The visitors are doing well in the Kazakhstan Premier League, as they are at the top of the table. They might be in for a tough contest here as they will be away from home.

Kick-off:

• Location: Lisbon, Portugal
• Stadium: Estádio José Alvalade
• Date: Friday, September 19
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST (Thursday, September 18; 07:00 p.m. GMT/ 03:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT)
• Referee: Damian Sylwestrzak
• VAR: In use

Form:

Sporting CP: W-W-W-L-W

Kairat Almaty: L-D-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP)

The 25-year-old Portuguese forward is going to play an important role in the final third for the hosts. In five games of the new season, Francisco Trincão has scored three goals and has an assist. He is a capable player and is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence in their Champions League game.

Jorginho (Kairat Almaty)

Jorginho has an essential responsibility on his shoulders. The 27-year-old is going to be one of the main men in the attacking front for Kairat Almaty. He will also be looking to step up so that he can help his side stand a chance against Sporting Lisbon in their opening UCL game.

Match Facts

• Sporting CP have won four of their last five matches.
• Kairat Almaty are on a three-match winning streak.
• This will be the first-ever official match between these sides.

Sporting CP vs Kairat Almaty: Betting Tips and Odds

• Sporting to win @1/10 BetFred
• Francisco Trincão to score @23/5 Unibet
• Goals over 3.5 @10/11 bet365

Injury and Team News

Sporting Lisbon will be without the services of Geny Catamo as he is injured. They might also miss out on the services of Daniel Braganca, Hidemasa Morita and a couple of other squad members due to a lack of fitness.

Elder Santana and Joao Paulo are injured, hence keeping them out of action for Kairat Almaty. Alexandr Zarutskiy might also be out of action due to fitness issues.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 0

Sporting CP won: 0

Kairat Almaty won: 0

Draws: 0

This will be their first-ever meeting.

Predicted Lineups

Sporting CP predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Silva (GK); Fresneda, Debast, Inacio, Mangas; Hjulmand, Kochorashvili; Quenda, Trincão, Gonçalves; Suárez

Kairat Almaty predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Anarbekov (GK); Mrynskiy, Martynovich, Sorokin, Tapalov; Arad, Glazer; Gromyko, Jorginho, Satpaev; Edmilson

Match Prediction

It is going to be a new challenge for both teams as they are going to face each other for the first time. Sporting CP are likely to come out on top against Kairat Almaty in their UEFA Champions League clash.

Prediction: Sporting CP 4-1 Kairat Almaty

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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