With just three rounds remaining in the Misli Premier League, only one set of medals is still up for grabs.
While Qarabag have already secured the gold and Zira have locked in silver, the battle for bronze remains undecided, Idman.biz reports.
After 33 rounds, two teams are in the running for third place. Araz-Nakhchivan currently sit in third with 55 points, while Turan Tovuz trail in fourth, six points behind.
Overcoming that gap in three matches is a tall order—but Araz-Nakhchivan face a challenging finish.
Elmar Bakhshiyev’s team could clinch the bronze and a Conference League spot as early as this weekend. For that to happen, they must avoid defeat against Qarabag and hope Turan Tovuz drop points against Neftchi. Essentially, if Araz-Nakhchivan win, they need Turan Tovuz to lose or draw; if they draw, they need Tovuz to lose.
To secure third place regardless of other results, Araz-Nakhchivan need four points from their final three games. However, two of their opponents—Qarabag and Zira—are the league’s powerhouses, and even though both have already sealed their medals, they won’t be easy to beat. A tricky away trip to Shamakhi also awaits.
By contrast, Turan Tovuz’s remaining schedule looks more favorable. They will host struggling Neftchi, visit Sumgayit, and wrap up with a western derby at home against Kapaz. Kurban Berdyev’s men could potentially claim all nine points—but even a perfect run may not be enough.
Araz-Nakhchivan’s last 3 matches:
Round 34 — Qarabag (home)
Round 35 — Shamakhi (away)
Round 36 — Zira (home)
Turan Tovuz’s last 3 matches:
Round 34 — Neftchi (home)
Round 35 — Sumgayit (away)
Round 36 — Kapaz (home)
Round 34 matches will take place between May 9–11.
Vugar Kheyrullayev
Idman.biz
