Title: Persepolis Navigates Key Absences in High-Stakes Qazvin Clash
In a crucial Persian Gulf Pro League fixture, Persepolis prepares for a pivotal away match against Shams Azar Qazvin this Friday. Following an extended FIFA break and the cancellation of their Hazfi Cup tie against Tractor, the Tehran giants are set to resume their campaign with a vital opportunity to climb the league table.
A Path to the Summit
A victory against the Qazvin representative would significantly boost Persepolis’s chances of reaching the top of the standings. It would also allow the team to continue its pursuit of the 30-point target set for the end of the first half of the season, effectively putting the challenging early-season performances behind them.
Squad Challenges Test Team Depth
The Reds face a significant test of their squad depth, as they will be without key players Marco Bakich and T.B. Bifooma for this important encounter. This will force the coaching staff to make at least two changes to the lineup that last faced Esteghlal Khuzestan. Furthermore, Reza Shokari has also been ruled out of the matchday squad.
A major question mark hangs over the availability of Serge Owono. The player sustained an injury during warm-ups before the previous league match but has now, after three weeks, regained match fitness. The Persepolis technical team, however, has not yet made a final decision regarding his inclusion.
Projected Lineup and Form Guide
The probable starting eleven for Persepolis indicates a reliance on a core of in-form players:
Goalkeeper: Peyman Niazmand has become a pillar of strength for the team following his impressive performances in recent games. His form this season positions him as a strong contender for the league’s Golden Glove, and continued excellence could bolster his prospects for international duty.
Defense: The central defensive pairing of Hossein Abargouei and Hossein Kanaani, who started the last friendly, are expected to be the first choice. Milad Mohammadi has also returned to his natural position under manager Osmar. The primary tactical consideration for the manager remains in the right-back position.
Midfield: The team looks to the dynamic duo of Milad Sarlak and Soroush Rafiei to control the center of the park. Rafiei has displayed excellent form in recent friendly matches and was outstanding in the encounter with Estekhsal Khuzestan. Oston Urunov and Omid Alishah are the likely candidates to occupy the wing positions.
Attack: The two national team strikers, Mohammad Omari and Ali Alipour, are poised to lead the line following their effective performances. Omari has quickly found his scoring touch, while Alipour, with five goals to his name, is enjoying a superb run of form.
All eyes will be on how this lineup, shaped by both forced absences and strategic choices, performs under pressure as Persepolis seeks a decisive victory to fuel its championship ambitions.