GOAL - The Iranian Pro League will resume on
Thursday, December 15 after a three week break.. It is difficult to predict
how each team will perform as a number of them have players coming back from
the West Asian Games in which Iran won the Bronze.
Perspolis and Rah-Ahan will kickoff Round 14 on Thursday. Earlier this week
Rah-Ahan signed former Iran international Khodadad Azizi. The likable
footballer may not be eligible for this game, but his presence is sure to
inject some new enthusiasm in the clubhouse. The 35 years old has lost a bit
of pace since his glory days, and it remains to be seen how much he can
contribute to Rah-Ahan’s cause.
Perspolis were in the middle of a revival when the league went into recess.
It will be interesting to see if they can continue their climb to the top
and revive their old rivalry with Esteghlal.
Pas will be visiting Fajr in Shiraz. Mustafa Denizli’s team will be without
their midfield general Javad Nekounam who joined Al Wahda of UAE earlier
this month. Although the coach has tried to downplay the impact of
Nekounam’s departure, his leadership on and off the field will surely be
missed.
First place Esteghlal will host fourth place Zob-Ahan in Tehran’s Azadi
stadium. This could be the most entertaining match of this week. Both teams
have much at stake with Esteghlal needing a win to keep their lead, and
Zob-Ahan hope to get out of their pre-recess slump.
Foolad will travel to Anzali to face a financially struggling Malavan. The
northerners off the pitch struggle had begun to affected their on the pitch
performance prior to the break. This may be a blessing for Foolad who need
every point if they are to have a shot at keeping the title.
Saba Battery are preparing for the AFC Champions League. They are a long
shot to win the IPL title, but a good second half will help instill some
self confidence in the team in advance of the AFC CL games. This week they
will meet a Bargh team that has been struggling all season.
Second place Saipa will meet Sepahan in Isfahan. Saipa were the hottest team
in the first half of the IPL, and are likely to push Esteghlal to the very
end. Sepahan on the other hand need to regroup after a series of
disappointing results if they hope to remain in the race.
Shahid-Ghandi and Esteghlal of Ahvaz are two teams in transition. Ghandi’s
Technical Director Mansour Pourhaydari resigned during the break and Ahvaz
owner and President Ali Shafizadeh, seemingly disillusioned with the
challenges of running a football team, handed over all the responsibilities
to his brother. Lucky for both teams their opponents this week are in worst
shape than they are. Ghandi will visit Abu-Moslem in Mashad and Ahvaz will
host basement dwellers Shamooshak.
