From August 10 to 13, Super League matches will be held in our country, further heating up the football atmosphere. Within the framework of Round 18, a number of “fiery” and intense encounters are planned, which will be in the spotlight of fans. Among them, the games “Neftchi” – “Nasaf”, “Dinamo” – “Pakhtakor” and “Andijan” – “Navbahor” have special importance.
August 10
18:30. “Sogdiana” – “Mashal”
In the second round, two teams that have not yet tasted victory will face each other. Jizzakh’s team, as the home side, is seen as somewhat stronger. “Mashal” in the last round in Guzar, while leading against “Dinamo”, ended up losing 2:4. This time, Mubarek’s team also faces a serious test away. However, considering that “Mashal” has achieved unexpected results many times throughout the season, the probability that they may produce a surprise is not zero.
August 11
19:00. “Neftchi” – “Nasaf”
The biggest intrigue of the round will unfold at the “Istiklol” stadium in Fergana. The reigning champion “Nasaf”, with 37 points, is maintaining leadership, while its closest pursuer “Neftchi” is 4 points behind. Although experts rate Qarshi’s team as slightly ahead in terms of team play quality, “Neftchi” also has experienced and well-known players in its squad. Nevertheless, several unexpected point losses have made them a target of criticism. For the hosts, this match has vital importance: “Neftchi”, dreaming of the championship, must overtake the reigning champion precisely in this game. The true potential of Levchenko’s pupils will be revealed on this day.
20:00. “Dinamo” – “Pakhtakor”
Another central match will be held in Samarkand. At the moment, “Dinamo” is 4 points ahead of “Pakhtakor”. Vadim Abramov’s team is known for its attacking and entertaining play. Therefore, their fight against “Pakhtakor” may become a real football celebration for the fans. For now, the chances are absolutely equal.
August 12
18:15. OKMK – “Qizilqum”
OKMK, which started the second round with several important victories, will host “Qizilqum” at its own stadium. If Mirjalol Qosimov’s players find their game, the probability of achieving their goal is high. “Qizilqum”, on the other hand, will need to work twice as hard on the field to achieve a good away result.
19:00. “Andijan” – “Navbahor”
Another most anticipated match of Round 18 — the valley derby at “Bobur Arena”. Here, the spirit of principled rivalry is very high: the team of Maksim Shatskikh, which significantly strengthened its squad in the summer, has shown good form in recent matches. At home, they scored 3 unanswered goals against “Kokand-1912”, and in the next round took 1 point from the reigning champion’s stadium. “Navbahor” has drawn in two consecutive rounds. Intense competition among fans is also expected. It is not difficult to imagine the atmosphere at “Bobur Arena” — the hosts will enter the field with maximum motivation.
20:30. “Shurtan” – “Kokand-1912”
Although this match remains in the shadow of the central games, it also has important significance. The two teams, occupying the bottom two positions in the standings, will face off in Guzar. The first-round game ended in a draw. For both teams, victory is as necessary as water and air. “Kokand-1912” has not been able to win for 3 months. In this game, for both sides, only 3 points are the goal.
August 13
19:00. “Bukhara” – “Khorezm”
In the match of teams close in composition, it is likely that there will not be many goals. “Bukhara”’s main task is to show a reliable defensive game and keep its goal intact. However, Baqoev’s players will certainly seek victory to rise to higher positions. “Khorezm”, under the leadership of Hakim Fuzailov, will try to play attacking football. It is hoped that the game will not be decided by a single goal.
20:00. “Surkhan” – “Bunyodkor”
The closing match of the round is expected to be interesting. “Surkhan”, which has undergone a number of changes in its squad, will play against “Bunyodkor”, whose quality of play has improved recently. For both sides, the game will not be easy. Everything will depend on how well they have prepared in a short time.
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