TEHRAN – There is a long way to go but the match between Persepolis and Esteghlal football teams could be decider in the 2023/24 Iran’s Persian Gulf Pro League (PGPL).

The crucial match was supposed to be held on Aug. 3 but was rescheduled for Dec. 14.

Esteghlal lead the table with 24 points and Persepolis are fourth with 20 points and have one game in hand.

Esteghlal, headed by Javad Nekounam, have shown stability in the current season but they have been held two times in their recent matches. Yahya Golmohammadi’s Persepolis have been recently kicked out of the AFC Champions League but they emerged victorious over Havadar in their last match in the league.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been also confirmed for the derby, which has always been controversial.  

The match will be held in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Thursday.

Mooud Bonyadifar has been appointed as referee and he will be assisted by Saeid Ghasemi and Alireza Ildorom.

Bijan Heydari is the fourth official.

Esteghlal and Persepolis have met each other 101 times in Tehran derby. Persepolis have won 27 matches, while Esteghlal emerged victorious 26 times and 48 matches ended in draw.

Star-studded Sepahan are also favorites to win the title and the result of the Tehran derby could affect the fate of the Isfahan-based football team.