The UEFA Champions League preview of league phase wraps up with an exciting clash between Arsenal vs Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal, the English giants, have been unstoppable in Europe this season. While Kairat, from Kazakhstan, are looking to end their tough campaign on a positive note.
Match Details
This match on January 28, 2026, could see fireworks as Arsenal aim to keep their perfect record intact. Fans around the world are eager to see if the Gunners can deliver another dominant performance against a team fighting for pride.
The game between Arsenal vs Kairat Almaty kicks off at 8:00 p.m. GMT (3:00 p.m. ET) on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at London’s Emirates Stadium. It’s the preview of the final fixture in the Champions League’s league phase for both the sides. Arsenal have already secured their spot in the knockout rounds. They are sitting comfortably at the top with a flawless run. Kairat Almaty, making their debut in the competition, are at the bottom of the 36-team table and playing to avoid a winless finish.
The viewers in the UK can catch it on TNT Sports or BBC, while US fans have Paramount+ and TUDN. In India, it’s on SonyLIV and Sony Sports Network. The referee and VAR details are yet to be confirmed, but expect standard Champions League officiating with video assistance.
This is the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, adding an element of unpredictability, though Arsenal’s form makes them heavy favorites.
🚨 Confirmed: Arsenal are now guaranteed a top eight finish in the #UCL League Phase table, avoiding the play-off round & directly advancing to the round-of-16. ✅🌟 pic.twitter.com/MwWj6pRGvb
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) January 20, 2026
Arsenal Team Preview
Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, have been the standout team in the Champions League this season. They have won all seven of their league phase matches, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two. That’s an average of nearly three goals per game while keeping a rock-solid defense. Their goal difference stands at +18, highlighting their dominance in Europe.
In the recent games across all competitions, Arsenal’s form is W-W-D-W-L. This includes a 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the Premier League. At home, they have been strong, winning 14 of their last 20 Champions League home matches. Moreover, they keept 11 clean sheets in the last 15. They average 14.67 shots per game recently, with 53% possession.
The preview of Team News, however, is crucial here. Declan Rice is under suspension, so Martín Zubimendi might step in. Kai Havertz and Max Dowman are out injured, while Riccardo Calafiori’s status is uncertain. Arteta may rotate to rest key players, but expect a strong lineup to maintain momentum.
Arsenal’s tactics often revolve around a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting wings. Their ability to win by two or more goals in 65% of recent Champions League games shows their attacking prowess.
Arsenal in the #UCL league phase this season. 🌟
Athletic Club 0-2 Arsenal ✅
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos ✅
Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid ✅
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal ✅
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich ✅
Club Brugge 0-3 Arsenal ✅
Inter Milan 1-3 Arsenal ✅
Next up: Kairat (h). 🔜 pic.twitter.com/hsJx6udE0F
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) January 20, 2026
Kairat Almaty Team Preview
Kairat Almaty, from the Kazakhstan Premier League, have had a challenging Champions League debut. They’ve managed zero wins, one draw, and six losses in the league phase, scoring five goals and conceding 19 for a -14 goal difference. Their recent form is D-L-L-L-L, winless in their last six games across competitions.
Away from home, they’ve lost half of their last 10 matches but kept three clean sheets in the last seven away outings. They average 11 shots per game with 48.67% possession, scoring 0.83 goals while conceding 1.83. In the Champions League, they’ve lost seven of their last 12 games and are winless in 13 of the last 16.
Injuries: Élder Santana and João Paulo are out long-term with cruciate ligament issues. Azamat Tuyakbayev is injured, and Dastan Satpaev and Olzhas Baybek might miss due to fitness concerns. Kairat will likely use a compact 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 to defend deep and counter-attack, but facing Arsenal’s quality will be tough.
Domestically, Kairat perform well, but the step up to Champions League level has been steep.
Head-to-Head Record
This match between Arsenal vs Kairat Almaty will be the first competitive encounter between Arsenal and Kairat Almaty. No prior history means both teams start fresh, but Arsenal’s experience in top European competitions gives them a clear edge.
Key Players to Watch
For Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli stands out with five goals in six Champions League games. Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyökeres could also shine, with Saka tipped for a hat-trick in some predictions. Martin Ødegaard’s creativity in midfield will be key to breaking down defenses.
On Kairat’s side, Edmilson has scored once in six games and leads their attack. Dastan Satpaev might provide inspiration, potentially scoring first, while Jorginho adds experience in midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya (GK); Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Jurriën Timber; Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Martin Ødegaard; Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli. (Substitutes could include Jesus or Trossard if rotation happens.)
Kairat Almaty (4-2-3-1): Temirlan Anarbekov (GK); Erkin Tapalov, Egor Sorokin, Aleksandr Shirobokov, Luís Mata; Dan Glazer, Damir Kasabulat; Valeriy Gromyko, Jorginho, Ricardinho; Edmilson. (Satpaev might feature if fit.)
These lineups account for suspensions and injuries, with Arsenal favoring their attacking trio.
Prediction
Arsenal are overwhelming favorites to win, with a 60-67% chance according to experts. Expect a comfortable victory for the hosts, possibly 4-0 or 5-0, given their scoring form and Kairat’s defensive struggles. Both teams to score? Unlikely, as Arsenal often keep clean sheets at home. Over 2.5 goals seems probable, with Arsenal’s attack firing on all cylinders.
Kairat might resist early, but Arsenal’s quality should prevail in an entertaining match. This clash promises goals and excitement, with Arsenal poised to end the phase in style.
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