Torpedo Kutaisi vs Zira prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on July 16, 2026
Europa Conference League
In the Round of 16 of the Conference League qualification on July 16, 2026, the return leg will be played between Torpedo Kutaisi and Zira. The hosts will need a miracle to advance further.
Torpedo Kutaisi - Zira: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Kutaisi was the runner-up in 2024, but then dropped to third place, falling behind Dila Gori by about fifteen points. Currently, their position is even lower, having lost three out of their last four matches, with the only exception being a goalless draw against Spaeri. On the bright side, they won the Super Cup, albeit only after defeating Iberia 1999 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the decisive match.
The team from a suburb of Baku finished only fifth in the 2025/2026 league and lost to Sabah in the cup in May. However, Turan's disqualification for match-fixing allowed them to participate in European competition again.
In Azerbaijan, the hosts killed off the intrigue in the tie, winning convincingly 3-0. Ruan Renato became the hero, scoring a brace as a defender.
Previous Matches: Torpedo Kutaisi - Zira
Representatives of these neighboring countries had never played even a single friendly match before this tie.
The hosts are still considered underdogs. But perhaps their desire for a "last hurrah" will pay off – we suggest betting on them with a handicap "0" (odds – 2.0).
Torpedo Kutaisi - Zira: Key Statistics and Trends
- Torpedo Kutaisi have won in regular time only one of their last seven matches
- On average, Torpedo Kutaisi score 1.58 goals and concede 1 goal per match
- 58% of Torpedo Kutaisi's matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.58 goals per match
- Zira have lost two of their last four matches
- The team averages 1.3 goals scored and 1.09 goals conceded per match
- 58% of Zira's matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.39 goals per match
Torpedo Kutaisi - Zira: Possible Starting Line-ups
Torpedo Kutaisi play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible line-up): Goshadze - Kuprava, Simic, Mane, Sheriff - Felipe Pires, Bukia, Mamuchashvili - Arabidze, Andric, Penson
Zira play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible line-up): Bayramov - Aliyev, Ruan Renato, Mutsindzi, Seydiev - Papunashvili, Konate, Vieirinha - Martins Junior, Volkov, Aydin
Place a bet on the upcoming match and follow the team's progress in the Conference League qualification standings
