Traktor Sazi vs Sepahan on 1 February
The stage is set for an exhilarating clash in the Persian Gulf Pro League as Traktor Sazi hosts Sepahan on February 1st, 2026. This encounter promises to be more than just a routine fixture; it's a battle for supremacy that could shape the course of both teams' seasons. Traktor Sazi, currently struggling to maintain consistency, will face off against Sepahan, one of the title challengers with an eye on securing a top-three finish. Both teams have their own unique tactical approaches, and with only a few points separating them in the league standings, this game is critical for both clubs' ambitions.
Traktor Sazi: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Traktor Sazi's recent form has been a mixed bag, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five games. Their primary setup under head coach Giorgi Dvali has been a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. This tactical system aims to absorb pressure and exploit spaces left by opponents on the counter-attack. However, Traktor’s pressing game has often been inconsistent, and their build-up play can be sluggish at times, which has led to lapses in concentration in crucial moments.
In terms of statistics, Traktor Sazi struggles to maintain possession in the final third, averaging just 55% in their last five games, and they often rely on direct long balls to their wingers. Their passing accuracy stands at 77%, which is below the league average, and their xG per game is 1.2, suggesting a lack of clinical finishing in recent outings. They have been conceding an average of 1.5 goals per game, reflecting defensive vulnerabilities that need addressing.
The engine of Traktor Sazi's attack has been the creative midfielder, Omid Norafkan, who has been directly involved in 3 of their last 5 goals. However, they are without their star forward, Mehrdad Mohammadi, who is suspended for this match, leaving a significant gap in the attack. The burden of scoring will fall on the shoulders of Ali Karimi, whose form has been patchy but can be explosive when on his game.
Sepahan: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Sepahan, on the other hand, enters this match with a much stronger recent record: three wins, one draw, and one loss. Under the guidance of head coach Nelo Vingada, they have employed a 4-3-3 formation that thrives on high pressing and quick, fluid ball movement in attack. This system prioritizes possession retention in the opposition's half, with midfielders orchestrating play and wingers stretching the defensive lines. Sepahan's game plan focuses on using width to break down teams and creating overloads in wide areas to cross into the box.
Statistically, Sepahan has been impressive in key areas. Their possession in the final third is a robust 63%, and their passing accuracy stands at 84%, reflecting their control over games. With an xG of 1.8 per match, they have been effective in creating quality chances. Defensively, they have conceded just 0.9 goals per game in their last five outings, a testament to their solid defensive structure, led by experienced center-back Ivan Santini, who is expected to play a pivotal role in containing Traktor's attackers.
Key to Sepahan’s dominance in midfield is the box-to-box presence of Ali Gholizadeh, who is coming into this match in superb form, having scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist in the last 3 games. His link-up play will be critical in unlocking Traktor’s defense, particularly with the absence of their key central midfielder, Farshad Amini, who is sidelined with injury. Sepahan will need to adjust their midfield to compensate for Amini's loss, but the versatility of Gholizadeh and Vahid Amiri should ensure that the team remains fluid in attack.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The last three meetings between these two sides have been evenly contested, with each team winning one game and one match ending in a draw. The most recent clash, in September 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw, where Traktor Sazi’s resilience at home was on full display. Historically, Traktor has proven difficult to break down in Tabriz, but Sepahan has had the upper hand in overall league encounters, with a superior record over the past five seasons.
One trend that has emerged is the tendency for Sepahan to dominate possession while Traktor Sazi focuses on the counter-attack. In fact, in the last 5 encounters, Sepahan has enjoyed an average of 60% possession, but only managed to score an average of 1.2 goals per game against Traktor. This suggests that while Sepahan controls the tempo, they struggle to break down teams with a defensive mindset.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the key battles will take place on the flanks, where Traktor Sazi’s wingers, notably Karimi and Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh, will face Sepahan’s full-backs, notably Mehrdad Shahbazzadeh and Mohsen Mirdavoodi. The battle for width will be crucial, as Traktor will look to exploit the space behind Sepahan's attacking full-backs, while Sepahan will aim to stretch the defensive lines and create overloads in wide areas.
Another crucial duel will occur in midfield, where Gholizadeh and Amiri will look to dominate possession and control the pace of the game. With Amini missing for Traktor, the responsibility will fall on Milad Sarlak and Ehsan Hajsafi to disrupt Sepahan’s rhythm. How well these two can provide defensive cover while supporting Traktor's attack will determine whether Traktor can hold their ground in this match.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the tactical set-ups and current form of both teams, it is likely that Sepahan will dominate possession, while Traktor Sazi will play on the counter-attack. The presence of Karimi and Bakhtiarizadeh on the wings could provide a dangerous outlet for Traktor, but Sepahan's defensive stability should ultimately prove to be the difference. Sepahan’s ability to control the midfield, despite the absence of Amini, will likely neutralize much of Traktor's counter-attacking threat.
With Sepahan averaging 1.8 xG per match and Traktor conceding 1.5 goals per game, the most probable outcome is a 2-1 victory for Sepahan, who will find the net through their pressing and possession-heavy play. Traktor will score on the break, but they will ultimately fall short of containing Sepahan’s attacking threat.
Final Thoughts
The match will test whether Traktor Sazi's defensive resolve can withstand Sepahan's creative attacking play. If Traktor can contain Gholizadeh and exploit space on the counter, they could snatch a point. However, Sepahan's quality in possession and their defensive solidity should give them the edge in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Will Traktor Sazi’s defensive structure hold firm against Sepahan’s attacking force, or will Sepahan extend their dominance and continue their title push?
