Aktobe Jas vs Astana II - 1. Division

The history between Aktobe Jas and Astana II lends this 1. Division fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on October 22, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports.

A glance at the 1. Division table tells the story: Aktobe Jas in 12th and Astana II in 5th, with positions to defend and places to climb. Consistency has eluded Aktobe Jas in recent weeks, with DLLLW in their last five and a win rate of 25% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. On their travels the visitors have been workmanlike, LWDWL in their last five and a win rate of 41.67% to show for it. Where Aktobe Jas have leaned on defensive discipline, Astana II have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. Rodri's future remains one of the major talking points as Barcelona step up interest in the World Cup winner.

Pressing intensity will define the contest. Aktobe Jas will seek to win the ball high up the pitch and suffocate Astana II's build-up, while the visitors will aim to play through the pressure and exploit the spaces it leaves behind. He is marginally better with his progressive carries too, but that isn't his strength and seems more indicative of Iraola's style of play.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman Anuar Amanzhanov — 1 goals this term — will be one to watch. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. There have been comparisons made between the left-footed Kukonki and Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Astana II look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 2-3 victory well within their reach. With positions in the 1. Division table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".