FC Torpedo Kutaisi

vs

FK Zira

Tips, Stats and Odds

Don’t discount the hosts

FC Torpedo have been in poor form recently, with a 0-0 home draw against FC Spaeri in the Erovnuli Liga 2026 followed by a 3-0 defeat by FK Zira in the UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 just four days later. Zira will arrive with the confidence and momentum to build on that success, but Torpedo are known for their stubbornness and will be looking to make a comeback this Thursday. This game represents structure vs steel, with Zira looking to control the ball and dominate the second balls while Torpedo aim to nick transitions and set-piece chances. Zira set up in a 4-2-3-1 with a double pivot protecting the back four and a structured build-up game, while Dirk Schuster's men will park the bus and look to break.

Zira to win at 2.3

Zira have been in fine form this summer with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat from their last 5, although they have only lost 1 of their last 10 in all competitions (W4, D5). Torpedo have been shakier with 1 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats from their 5 matches at home in the UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026. Rashad Sadyqov has been in charge of FK Zira since 17 July 2020, so the Azeri team are a settled outfit with an identity that they stick to. Zira have been much sharper in front of goal in the final third with 8 goals scored in their last 5 matches, giving them a real bite in this two-legged encounter. Torpedo have only managed to score 4 times in the same amount of matches, so they need a much more prolific striker than Komnen Andric if they're to be the favourites to progress. We fancy Zira or draw for the 1X2 market here, as the visitors are the more likely to progress but Torpedo's grit and determination at home may keep this one cagey if they can survive the early onslaught.