Kheybar Khorramabad welcome Esteghlal Khuzestan on Sunday, Oct 18 at 3:30 PM in a Persian Gulf Pro League fixture that's tighter on paper than the positions suggest — just 1 point split them in the table.

Kheybar Khorramabad come into this fixture out of form (1W 2L recently). Esteghlal Khuzestan, meanwhile, arrive drawing too many games (3D in last 5) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks. Kheybar Khorramabad head into this on the back of a defeat, while Esteghlal Khuzestan arrive off a win — momentum clearly with the visitors.

History strongly favours Kheybar Khorramabad here — they've won 3 of 9 previous meetings against Esteghlal Khuzestan, with 6 draws. Their last encounter ended in Esteghlal Khuzestan won 0–1.

Verdict: This looks an evenly matched contest. Home advantage gives Kheybar Khorramabad a slight edge, but Esteghlal Khuzestan are capable of causing problems. A draw would be a fair result.