The head coach Aliyev has already departed, and the team is still in search of a new manager. Among the current squad, two key players from the Russian Premier League—central defender Alibiev from Akhmat and forward Samorodov—are included, providing some quality on both ends of the pitch.
This 23-man roster sees several defensive mainstays missing due to injury, including A. Marin, Traber, and Wolfger. Livio Meyer is expected to lead the backline, but the overall defensive stability of the team is likely to be compromised.
Kazakhstan, on the other hand, boasts a solid defensive record and have already defeated their opponents in the first leg. With superior overall strength and the advantage of playing at home, they are well-positioned to dominate this fixture. Liechtenstein, widely regarded as one of Europe’s minnows, has struggled mightily in the group stage, suffering five straight defeats without scoring and conceding 19 goals. In this matchup, even a comfortable away loss would be seen as acceptable—but Kazakhstan is expected to seize a convincing victory.
Recommended pick: Home win.
