Mohammad Niknafs

① Fajr Sepasi and Paykan are closely matched in midfield battles.

② Paykan's pace could create chances on the break, but they may cancel each other out.

③ A measured game with chances at both ends seems likely.

① Esteghlal's strong home form and higher league standing should see them dominate.

② Fajr Sepasi are likely to sit deep and look for counters, but may struggle to test the goalkeeper.

③ A clean Esteghlal sheet is plausible in dry, cool conditions with another goal or two.