Persepolis seeking to extend Persian Gulf Pro League lead
Persepolis will be hoping to extend its lead over second-placed Sepahan to 13 points when playing away to Paykan in the Persian Gulf Pro League today. Sepahan takes on Golgohar Sirjan in Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium on Monday.
The three-time defending champion last played in the league on February 27, beating Shahr Khodro 3-1 at home, before the league was halted due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Yahya Golmohammadi’s men top the table with 47 points with nine games to spare, 10pts clear of Sepahan and Tractor – which could go second today with a home victory over Nassaji Mazandaran.
Mehdi Torabi – who misses today’s game due to suspension – and Ahmad Noorollahi scored either side of Saeid Vase’ei’s equalizer in the reverse fixture as the Reds beat Paykan – now sitting bottom of the table – 2-1 at the Azadi Stadium last October.
Persepolis will also miss injured full-back Mohammad Ansari and Iraqi Bashar Resan – who joined late with teammates after training resumption – but will be boosted with the return of left-back Mohammad Naderi who recovered in time from injury for today’s game.
Elsewhere in the league, Shahr Khodro – sixth in the league – faces Zob Ahan today, while on Monday, Esteghlal will seek to bounce back from last Wednesday’s 2-1 away defeat against Foolad Khuzestan when playing at home to Saipa.
Javad Nekounam’s Foolad will play Mashinsazi Tabriz in Ahvaz.