Jorginho doubt adds intrigue as Kairat Almaty face Anderlecht in Europa League play-off

Kairat Almaty and RSC Anderlecht meet for the first time on Thursday in the Europa League qualifying play-off first leg, with the Kazakh side facing uncertainty over the fitness of Jorginho. The match will begin at 15:00 GMT on 20 August 2026.

The unexpected tie brings together clubs from Kazakhstan and Belgium, with both aiming to take an advantage into the return fixture. Kairat Almaty are expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, although their plans in attack could be affected by Jorginho’s muscle problem.

Jorginho’s involvement has not been confirmed, leaving head coach with an important decision to make before kick-off. Kairat are otherwise expected to maintain a balanced shape, with two holding midfielders supporting an attacking trio behind Edmilson.

The likely Kairat Almaty line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Temirlan Anarbekov

Defenders: Aleksandr Mrynskiy, Aleksandr Martynovich, Aleksandr Shirobokov, Lev Kurgin

Midfielders: Gustavo Mendonca, Jaakko Oksanen, Oiva Jukkola, Azamat Tuyakbaev, Marc Gual

Forward: Edmilson

Anderlecht arrive in Kazakhstan needing an immediate response after their setback at Beveren. The Brussels club are expected to select a 4-3-3 formation as they begin their attempt to reach the Europa League through the qualifying play-offs.

Colin Coosemans is set to start in goal, with Ali Maamar, Giulian Biancone, Leo Petrot and Ludwig Augustinsson forming the likely defensive line.

Nathan Saliba, Enric Llansana and Tristan Degreef are expected to operate in midfield. The attacking positions are likely to be occupied by Lukas Ambros, Danylo Sikan and Oliver Antman.

The probable Anderlecht line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Colin Coosemans

Defenders: Ali Maamar, Giulian Biancone, Leo Petrot, Ludwig Augustinsson

Midfielders: Nathan Saliba, Enric Llansana, Tristan Degreef

Forwards: Lukas Ambros, Danylo Sikan, Oliver Antman

The first meeting between Kairat Almaty and Anderlecht will give both clubs an opportunity to establish an early advantage before the second leg. Kairat will be hoping home advantage can help them overcome the difference in European experience, while Anderlecht will be looking to recover quickly from their defeat at Beveren.

The match is also attracting interest from the betting market. The company 1xBet lists Kairat Almaty at 3.47 to win, with the draw priced at 3.54 and an Anderlecht victory at 2.17.

With the hosts’ preferred attacking plan potentially dependent on Jorginho’s fitness and Anderlecht under pressure to react, the tie begins with uncertainty over which side will take control.