- FK Zira are fresh from a 3-0 victory over FC Torpedo Kutaisi in the UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 just four days ago.
- Rashad Sadyqov has been a solid manager for Zira since 17 July 2020.
Zira have the edge after 3-0 victory
FK Zira arrive in Georgia on the back of a 3-0 victory over FC Torpedo Kutaisi just four days prior and there is every chance that they can build on that edge to progress to the next round of the UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026.
Torpedo have a rocky run of late, going 5 matches without a win and drawing 0-0 with FC Spaeri in the Erovnuli Liga 2026 and losing 3-0 to Zira. Dirk Schuster's men have a solid structure around them, with their physicality and compact block designed to win duels and employ quick direct breaks.
Zira will look to control possession and second balls, setting up in a 4-2-3-1 with their double pivot protecting the back four and playing the structured ball. It's a formula that has worked since Rashad Sadyqov took over the Azerbaijan side in July 2020.
Zira have the best of the odds
The odds suggest this one is quite a close encounter, which it probably is, but FK Zira should really be the favourites and we feel the market has that slightly wrong with the visitors at 13/10, Torpedo at 19/10 and the draw at 23/10.
Zira or draw looks a smart alternative angle in this one, with the away side looking the safer bet in this European tie. Torpedo's home record in the UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 is also mixed with 1 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats across 5 matches.
Komnen Andric has been a bright spark for Schuster's side, scoring two of his side's four goals in their last 5 matches and Zira's number 10 Ruan has been their main menace with 5 goals in their last 5 and two in 1 appearance in the UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026.
Zira have been sharper in the final third, winning 2-1 against FK Sumgayit and 3-0 against Torpedo in their most recent games. The visitors have fired 8 goals in their last 5 games and this looks like structure versus steel - Zira will want to control and Torpedo will want to nick it. If they can survive the early pressure, we think Torpedo's knack for being resolute on their home patch will keep this game tight.
