Atyrau vs Ordabasy - Premier League

The Premier League returns to the home ground on September 17, 2026, where Atyrau and Ordabasy will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. The spectacle was once again on show ahead of Nice’s Europa League clash with AS Roma on Thursday, but what was supposed to be a display of power and pride quickly turned into a far more comical scene.

Atyrau head into the contest positioned 12th in the Premier League standings, while Ordabasy arrive sitting 1st. The hosts are desperate for a lift, with LWLLD in their last five and a win rate of 16.67% that underscores the size of the task facing them. The visitors have been a force on their travels, WLWWW in their last five and a campaign win rate of 72% that demands respect. Where Atyrau have leaned on defensive discipline, Ordabasy have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. Their 3-0 win over Nice takes them up to second spot in the fledgling Ligue 1 table.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Atyrau favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Ordabasy are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Tottenham have changed their approach and are spending big on players who already know the Premier League.

The fixture boasts genuine star quality. With Marc Gual topping the Premier League scoring charts at 4 goals, the stage is set for the kind of individual brilliance that can swing a contest. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. In his latest Sky Sports column, Paul Merson says he would be worried by Roberto De Zerbi's post-match comments criticising Spurs' forward players and medical staff.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. On balance, Ordabasy may just have enough to take all three points. A 1-2 away win would not be a shock. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.