IPL season final on Friday

PFDC – ESFAHAN, Iran’s 2011/12 Pro League season will come to an  end on Friday, and anything but a third consecutive league title for Sepahan Esfahan would be a huge surprise.

Zlatko Kranjcar lead the table three points ahead of Tractor Sazi Tabriz and Esteghlal Tehran and will only need a point when they host bottom placed Mes Sarcheshmeh.

Even if Sepahan would lose the game, Teractor Sazi or Esteghlal wouldn’t only have to win their homegames against Malavan Anzali and Naft Tehran, but also make up a four and six goal deficit respectively.

While the title quest at least involves minimal excitement, the relegation has already been decided. Beside Mes Sarcheshmeh, also Shahin Bushehr and Shahrdari Tabriz will play in Azadegan League next season.

The really exciting duels, however, are the ones regarding vice-championship and Asian Champions League qualification.

Due to Esteghlal’s Cup win, the fourth team will compete in the qualification round for Asia’s premium club competition next season.

Therefore not only Tractor Sazi and Esteghlal will be eager to secure at least the vice-championship, but also currently fourth placed Saba Qom and fifth placed Naft Tehran are determined to succeed on Friday.

The two teams are on equal points and only seperated by one single goal. While Naft have a difficult task against Esteghlal, Saba have to travel to Shiraz where they will take on Fajr Sepasi.

Another Iranian giant, Persepolis Tehran, will conclude a horrible season in Ahvaz, where they face Foolad Khuzestan. A loss there would mean Persepolis would finish in 15th position of the table – the worst result since the birth of the IPL.