FC Astana vs Midtjylland Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Astana booked their place in the second qualifying round in the Champions League in style, seeing off Sutjeska 3-0 on aggregate. They face a step up from the Montenegrin champions this week, as Midtjylland visit Kazakhstan. The hosts will be out to continue their strong European record of late, after a run to the knockout stages of the Europa League last term. Can they repeat that success in this summer’s qualifiers, or are they set for an early exit from Europe’s top competition?

The hosts are heading for domestic success yet again, with a six point lead at the summit of the Kazakh Premier League. They’ve managed to turn home dominance into impressive results in Europe, making the group stage in 2016 and 2017. They’ve stuck out strong runs in Europe in recent years, making the final qualifying round of this competition for four straight seasons. Given that long record, they won’t be expecting a second round elimination at the hands of Midtjylland this month.

Last season Astana came up short in their bid to make the group stage, losing 8-4 on aggregate to Celtic. However, that put them in to the group stage of the Europa League, and they ran to the last 32. They’ve clearly adapted to European competition, and they’ve racked up some good form in the Champions League. They’ve never lost on home soil in this competition, despite facing some top sides. Can they continue that record this week?

The visitors have failed to win in five matches, making a poor start to the league season. They drew at home to AGF Aarhus on the opening day, while they went down 2-1 at AaB at the weekend. That poor return has left them struggling in their title defence, and that’s not a great way to prepare for such a key clash. It’s hardly going to get bigger for Midtjylland, who are going to be desperate to progress in Europe. Based on their recent form, their hopes are likely to take a hit here.

Astana have won three home Champions League matches on the bounce. In their nine home Champions League qualifiers, they’ve managed to win seven times. That’s an impressive record, yet despite that Astana are well valued for a first leg victory on Tuesday. The visitors have limited experience in this competition – playing just four ties, all taking place three years ago. We’re backing Astana to win, while a 2-1 victory is our correct score prediction.