Preview: Belarus vs. Kazakhstan - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, in contrast, are aiming to collect a third consecutive victory after beating Azerbaijan and Slovakia in their opening two matches.

Match preview

For the third game in a row, Belarus will take to the pitch at the Stadion Karadorde in Serbia after being sanctioned by UEFA following Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.

Although the games in Serbia are listed as home matches, no fans have been permitted to attend the games due to the sanctions that have been imposed on Belarus.

Georgy Kondratyev's side entered the current Nations League campaign off the back of three consecutive victories, but they have struggled without their fans in attendance.

An opening day 1-0 defeat to Slovakia was followed by a goalless draw against Azerbaijan leaving them with just one point to show for their efforts over the two games.

Sitting just above the relegation spot by virtue of a better goal difference over Azerbaijan, Belarus' main goal for the remainder of the competition will be to retain their place in League C.

While Belarus are still waiting for their first victory, Kazakhstan have raced out of the blocks, winning their opening two Nations League matches.

After beating Moldova on penalties following a two-legged playoff, Wednesday's visitors appointed Magomed Adiev as head coach following the interim reign of Andrei Karpovich.

Adiev began his tenure with a 2-0 home win over Azerbaijan before edging out a Slovakian side who are ranked 80 places higher than them in the FIFA world rankings.

Kazakhstan may have travelled to Slovakia hoping for a draw, but a 26th-minute strike from Aslan Darabayev ensured that the visitors went home with all three points.

As a result of their six-point haul from their opening two games, Kazakhstan enter Friday's contest in top spot as they begin to turn their focus from a relegation fight to a promotion bid.

Although they have lost their previous two meetings with Belarus, the visitors can draw inspiration from the fact that they have won their last two away internationals.

Belarus Nations League form:

Belarus form (all competitions):

Kazakhstan Nations League form:

Kazakhstan form (all competitions):

Team News

After being withdrawn in the first half against Azerbaijan, Zakhar Volkov is a doubt for Friday's contest, which could open the door for Ruslan Yudenkov to return to the side.

The hosts could name an unchanged midfield, although alterations are set to be made in the front three.

Max Ebong and Vladislav Klimovich are both contenders to come into the frontline as Belarus look to find the net for the first time in their Nations League campaign.

As for the visitors, they are expected to keep changes to a minimum, although Bagdat Kairov could replace Mikhail Gabyshev at right wing-back.

Islambek Kuat came into the side for the encounter with Slovakia, and the midfielder is expected to retain his place in the side.

Meanwhile, Abat Almbetov will continue to lead the line after scoring two games in the Nations League opener against Azerbaijan.

Belarus possible starting lineup:

Pavlyuchenko; Khadarkevich, Poltevich, Yudenkov; Nechaev, Yablonski, Bacharou, Shauchenka; Ebong, Klimovich, Solovei

Kazakhstan possible starting lineup:

Shatskly; Kairov, Malyy, Marochkin, Alip, Dosmagambetov; Astanov, Kuat, Darabayev, Orazov; Almbetov

We say: Belarus 1-3 Kazakhstan

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