Sabah and Zira are set to face off in the final of the Azerbaijan Cup.

This marks the third time in history that the Zira has reached the final, with the Eagles previously appearing in the title match during the 2021/2022 and 2023/2024 seasons. Meanwhile, Sabah will be playing in their second consecutive final. The big question remains: will the Owls successfully defend their title, or will Zira finally claim the Azerbaijan Cup trophy?

Offsideplus.az presents the insights of football experts ahead of the final showdown:

Agasalim Mirjavadov: "Sabah has already secured a spot in European competitions as league champions. Nevertheless, the cup remains vital for the club's reputation and for finishing the season on a high note. Every coach wants to follow a league title with a cup victory. At the same time, the cup is the most optimal route to Europe for Zira. The beauty of cup matches is that the concept of a 'favorite' is often just a formality. A single match decides everything, and large scorelines are rare in such encounters. Usually, we see a more cautious and intense struggle, and I expect the same here."

Arif Asadov: "Predicting the score of a cup final is difficult. Naturally, based on current form, Sabah appears to be the favorite. Since they have already secured the league title, there is no serious pressure on them, allowing them to play more freely. However, for Zira, this match is of immense importance. They are in a tight race with Neftchi for fourth place, so Zira will enter this game under significant pressure. This factor could influence their performance. That said, cup games are always known for surprises. While Sabah is favored, there is a chance the match could go to extra time, where luck often plays a role."

Jeyhun Sultanov: "It is tough to give a definitive opinion before a cup final. Since it’s a one-off game, any outcome is possible. I believe the chances are 50/50. May the stronger side win. The most important thing is for the fans to enjoy an exciting match."

Aslan Kerimov: "Two deserving finalists are meeting. On one side, we have the national champions, Sabah, known for their powerful attack; on the other, Zira, who, despite lacking deep squad depth, have played effective football all season. We expect a thrilling game. Comparing their potential, Sabah's chances are slightly higher, primarily due to their formidable offensive line. I expect Zira to look for their chances on the counter-attack, as playing an open game against Sabah would be risky. Furthermore, Zira’s central defenders have been prone to occasional errors this season, which could be decisive against such a strong attack."

Bakhtiyar Musayev: "I believe the tension will last until the final minutes. Although Sabah is labeled as the favorite, finals are always remembered for surprises. This isn’t just a cliché; it’s the reality of football. It is very difficult to predict the result of such games. While Sabah seems a step ahead, Zira has a fair chance, and a victory for them should not be considered a surprise. May the best team win. I wish both sides success."

Shahin Diniyev: "If both teams have made it to the Azerbaijan Cup final, it means they possess the necessary strength. Moreover, motivating players for a single match is much easier than during a long league campaign where form can fluctuate. A cup final has a completely different atmosphere. Honestly, I don't expect a high-scoring game. In a one-match final, teams prioritize not conceding and play more cautiously. Both sides will likely pay special attention to defense. Zira’s defensive discipline against Sabah’s offensive potential makes this an intriguing tactical battle."

Afran Ismayilov: "An exciting match awaits. For Zira, winning the cup is the most realistic path to Europe. On the other hand, Sabah is in excellent form and has brought a special spark to the league this season. They will likely want to complete a 'double' by adding the cup to their championship trophy. As we know, a final is a one-off game where individual quality and psychological preparation play a huge role. I wish both teams the best of luck."