Araz vs Sabah FA - Premyer Liqa

A fascinating Premyer Liqa chapter awaits on August 31, 2026 when Araz take on Sabah FA at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. There are just three weeks to go in the transfer window and City face more transfer questions than answers ahead of the new campaign.

Both camps will view the Premyer Liqa meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Araz are mired in a difficult campaign, L over their last five and a paltry win rate of 0% painting a bleak picture. The visitors have been a force on their travels, WLWLW in their last five and a campaign win rate of 100% that demands respect. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. Rodri's future remains one of the major talking points as Barcelona step up interest in the World Cup winner.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Araz and Sabah FA have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. There is interest in adding another forward player who can play in one of those wide No 10 roles behind the striker in the 3-4-2-1 formation that Sage is expected to continue with at Selhurst Park.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. Baleba failed to register a single Premier League goal or assist Under Fabian Hurzeler in 2025/26, despite featuring 31 times in total.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 3-3 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".