Saipa vs Besat Kermanshah on 2 February
The stage is set for a thrilling clash in the Iranian League 1 as Saipa face off against Besat Kermanshah on February 2, 2026. Both teams are locked in a battle for crucial points as they look to push further up the table. With each team holding a strong desire to secure a victory, the stakes are high. This match promises to deliver both tactical intrigue and explosive moments on the pitch.
Saipa: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Saipa come into this match in solid form, having secured a series of important victories in their last five games. Their tactical setup revolves around a well-organized defense and quick transitions into attack. They typically operate with a 4-2-3-1 formation, where the defensive midfielders play a key role in disrupting the opposition’s build-up play. Their counter-attacking style has been effective, with wingers exploiting space on the flanks and delivering dangerous crosses into the box.
Statistically, Saipa have maintained a possession percentage of around 52% in recent matches, while their xG (expected goals) per match stands at a respectable 1.3. Their pressing intensity has been a key feature of their play, with an average of 14 pressing actions per game. Their ability to win the ball high up the pitch has often allowed them to create chances quickly.
In terms of key players, Saipa's midfield maestro, Amir Hossein, has been instrumental in dictating the tempo. His passing accuracy stands at 85%, and his vision to release the forwards has been a highlight. However, they will be without the services of striker Reza, who is suspended for this encounter. His absence could leave a gap in their attack, forcing Saipa to rely more on their wingers and midfield runners to chip in with goals.
Besat Kermanshah: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Besat Kermanshah, on the other hand, have been in mixed form lately. They have shown glimpses of brilliance, especially in their counter-attacking play, but have struggled with consistency. Their setup typically features a 4-3-3 formation, where the midfielders work tirelessly to regain possession before quickly releasing the ball to the forwards. Their primary mode of attack is through the width, with both wingers cutting inside to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Defensively, Besat Kermanshah have allowed an average of 1.5 goals per game, which highlights their vulnerabilities in the defensive third. However, they boast an impressive pass accuracy of 80%, which allows them to maintain possession and build their attacks with precision. Their xG per match is slightly lower than Saipa's at 1.1, but they have been more clinical in converting their chances into goals.
The star player for Besat Kermanshah has been striker Ali, who has scored in three of their last five games. His hold-up play has been crucial in linking up attacks and creating space for the wingers. However, they will miss the presence of their influential midfielder, Farhad, who is sidelined due to injury. His absence will put additional pressure on the remaining midfielders to step up and provide the necessary support for their forwards.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last three encounters, Saipa have had the upper hand, winning two and drawing one. The games between these two teams have typically been tight affairs, with only a single goal separating them on most occasions. Besat Kermanshah's most recent victory over Saipa came back in 2024, but since then, Saipa have looked the stronger side. Psychological factors could play a significant role here, as Saipa will be confident, knowing their recent record against Besat Kermanshah.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the key battles will be in the middle of the park, where Saipa’s midfield duo will look to dominate possession against Besat Kermanshah's three-man midfield. Saipa's ability to press high and win the ball in advanced areas will be crucial in disrupting Besat Kermanshah's rhythm. If Saipa can break up the play early and transition quickly, they could expose the space left by Besat Kermanshah's attacking wingers.
Another decisive area will be the battle between the two teams' wide players. Saipa's wingers, known for their pace and crossing ability, will look to exploit Besat Kermanshah's full-backs, who have shown vulnerability in one-on-one situations. If Saipa can isolate their wingers against Besat Kermanshah's defenders, they could create numerous chances from wide areas.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Based on current form, the most likely scenario is a tight and tactical game. Saipa will likely dominate possession and try to control the tempo, while Besat Kermanshah will look to hit them on the break. With Saipa's defensive solidity and the absence of Farhad for Besat Kermanshah, it seems likely that Saipa will edge out a victory. The absence of Reza in Saipa's attack could limit their attacking options, but they have enough quality in the midfield to dictate the game.
Prediction: Saipa to win 2-1, with a high chance of both teams scoring. Look out for Saipa’s pressing game and their ability to exploit the wide areas to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Saipa will come into this match with confidence, but Besat Kermanshah’s counter-attacking threat cannot be underestimated. The key to the match will be how well Saipa can control the midfield and disrupt Besat Kermanshah’s attacks. With both teams having their share of absences, this match will answer the question: Can Saipa’s tactical discipline overcome the counter-attacking threat posed by Besat Kermanshah?
