Esteghlal host Pakhtakor at the Rashid Stadium in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday. Esteghlal will look to maintain their top-eight position, while the visitors are in search of their first win in the series.
The hosts have managed one win in their last four matches in the league stage, losing thrice. They are eighth in the West Region, with the top eight teams progressing to the Round of 16.
The Capital Blues are struggling in the Persian Gulf Pro League – the Iranian top flight – winning three of 10 games and losing five. They snapped a five-game losing streak in their previous outing, a 1-0 home win over Mes Rafsanjan. Esteghlal will have to prove in the upcoming clash that they have truly broken trend with past failures.
Pakhtakor, meanwhile, are yet to record a win in the league stage, losing twice. They are 10th in the West Region, on the periphery of the qualification zone.
Sherlar won the Uzbekistan Super League last season for the fifth straight time, but things don’t appear rosy this term. With one matchday to spare, they are sixth with 38 points, trailing leaders Nasaf by 14 points. Pakhtakor will most likely not earn a continental spot next season.
Esteghlal vs Pakhtakor Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have met three times, with Esteghlal winning once and losing twice.
- Esteghlal have won once and lost four times in their last five home matches across competitions.
- Esteghlal have scored two goals and conceded nine in their last five matches aacross competitions.
- Pakhtakor have lost thrice in their last five road outings.
- Esteghlal have won once and lost four times in their last five matches, the same as Pakhtakor:
- Form Guide: Esteghlal – W-L-L-L-L; Pakhtakor – L-L-L-W-L
Esteghlal vs Pakhtakor Prediction
Esteghlal will consolidate their position in the top eight if they claim maximum points. Pakhtakor, meanwhile, are in a more critical situation, as another setback would jeopardise their chances of progress. Esteghlal come in as the favourites based on home advantage and should prevail comfortably.
Prediction: Esteghlal 3-1 Pakhtakor
Esteghlal vs Pakhtakor Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Esteghlal
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Esteghlal to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Pakhtakor to score - Yes