Zira vs Qarabag Prediction 24.12.2023

• Competition: Azerbaijan - Premyer Liqa
• Date: Sunday, 24th, December 2023
• Kickoff: 14:30 UK/15.30 CEST
• Venue: Zira Olympic Sport Complex Stadium (Baku)

As table-toppers, Qarabag has the chance to head into the winter break with a double-digit point advantage when they visit the closest pursuers and second-placed Zira at the Olympic Sport Complex Stadium on Monday.

Founded just nine years ago in 2014, Zira swiftly rose to prominence in the elite tier of Azerbaijani football, and the current season sees them as serious contenders for the top of the table, currently sitting in a high 2nd position with 29 points to their name. In fact, the Qartallar have set securing a European ticket as their primary goal this season after being denied that privilege last season due to finishing in fifth place. Under Rashad Sadygov's guidance, the team heads into Sunday's clash after eliminating Turan from the national cup, staging a comeback from behind to secure a late 2-1 turnaround.

In the last fixture of 2023, Zira hosts Qarabag, a team that has absolutely ruled domestic football in recent years and has no real competition for the title of national champion. With Gurban Gurbanov at the helm, the team has snatched an admirable nine top-flight titles in Azerbaijan during the past decade, and based on the current course of events, they seem set to add another silver ornament to their collection. After 17 league rounds, the Horsemen firmly hold the top spot with a nine-point cushion over their closest pursuer, and the weekend clash provides them with a golden opportunity to establish a double-digit lead over second-placed Zira, further solidifying their path to an 11th Premyer Liqa title.

Zira vs Qarabag Betting Tips : Qarabag to Win

The home turf advantage of Zira shouldn't impede Qarabag from maintaining their superb form and taking home three points, creating more distance from the chasing pack. Since succumbing to a narrow injury-time defeat against the current Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen (0-1), Gurban Gurbanov's men have responded impressively, putting together an unbeaten streak of eight matches, with seven of those ending in victory.  One of these successes includes a 2-1 victory over Allsvenskan outfit Hacken, a match that saw them successfully complete their Europa League group stage in second place, just behind Bayer's Alonso, and securing passage to the knockout phase of some European competition for the third consecutive year. 

In terms of the domestic league, the Horsemen are on a streak of six consecutive victories and will look to extend it to establish a huge 12-point lead over Zira, a side that has completely fallen out of form in recent times. Apart from Rashad Sadygov's men putting a sloppy two points in their account from the previous four Premyer Liqa contests, an even more pressing concern is the toothless frontline that has failed to find the net in any of the mentioned winless streak. Moreover, the Olympic Sport Complex Stadium has been a source of numerous happy moments for Qarabag, securing victories in 10 of their last 12 clashes against Zira, and they will attempt to add a fourth straight win to head into the winter break with an enviable lead at the summit.