Zira vs Qarabag - Premyer Liqa

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Zira and Qarabag together at the home ground on September 13, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Premyer Liqa occasion. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

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. The hosts have been steady if unspectacular, LLWDL in their last five reflecting a win rate of 50%. Few sides travel as well as the visitors, with WDDWW in their last five and a win rate of 80% marking them out as a class apart. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. It remains to be seen if Leeds will target a No 10 or a winger capable of playing inside now that Brandt is off the table.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Zira will look to impose their style on home soil, while Qarabag are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Schalke were third bottom for possession in winning the second tier, let alone facing Bayern.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. The Sun claims Arsenal and United scouted the Shakhtar Donetsk forward, who scored a hat-trick against Kudrivka on Monday and is rated at £30million.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With positions in the Premyer Liqa table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.