Preview
Mingachevir are facing serious internal and financial difficulties ahead of this match. According to reports emerging from within the club, despite assurances that the outstanding salaries of players who travelled for the cup fixture against Gabala would be paid, the promised funds have still not been released, even a week later. As a result, approximately 10 players residing outside Mingachevir have left the team camp, while head coach Elman Sultanov has also departed for Baku.
The players are demanding that the club’s management settle at least part of their outstanding wages, with salary arrears reportedly amounting to three months. Despite repeated assurances from officials that payments would be made “today or tomorrow”, no money has been received so far. November 3 was set as the final deadline for payment, with the players indicating that they would return for the following day’s fixture even without training if at least a partial payment was made. Otherwise, neither the coaching staff nor the players intended to participate in the match against Shahdag Qusar.
The financial situation has also created significant socio-economic difficulties for the squad, particularly regarding rent, food and transportation expenses. Consequently, several players have already left the club, while others are considering moves elsewhere. Mingachevir are therefore facing considerable uncertainty surrounding their squad availability and overall preparation. Their recent 0-3 defeat to Gabala in the cup on October 27 further highlights their current difficulties.
On the pitch, Mingachevir have conceded 14 goals across their first six league fixtures, with 10 of those coming in just three home matches. Shahdag Qusar have made an impressive start to the campaign, collecting five victories from six rounds while recording an outstanding goal difference of 14:2. They also come into this game on the back of a convincing 9-1 cup victory last week.