The Persian Gulf Pro League, Iran's premier football competition, is once again captivating fans across the nation and beyond in its 2025-2026 edition. As defending champions, Tractor S.C.—also known as Tractor Sazi—enters the season with high expectations following their historic triumph last year. But the big question on everyone's mind is: Will they win this year compared to last? Last season's victory marked Tractor's first-ever league title, a monumental achievement that ended a long drought and solidified their status as one of Iran's top clubs. However, early indicators from the current campaign suggest a tougher road ahead, with a sluggish start and intensified competition from perennial powerhouses like Persepolis and Esteghlal. In this in-depth article, we'll analyze Tractor's prospects, compare their performance to the 2024-2025 season, examine squad changes, review the league landscape, and even touch on betting strategies for fans looking to wager on the outcomes.
To set the stage, let's rewind to the 2024-2025 season. Tractor S.C. clinched the title on May 2, 2025, with a commanding 4-0 win over Shams Azar, finishing with two games to spare. They amassed an impressive record, topping the table with consistent performances driven by a solid defense and clinical attacking play. Key players like Ricardo Alves and Aref Aghasi were instrumental, contributing to a campaign that saw Tractor edge out rivals by a comfortable margin. The victory was a breakthrough for the Tabriz-based club, which has long been a fan favorite in the northwest region but had previously fallen short in title races. This success boosted morale, attracted talent, and positioned Tractor as favorites heading into the new season.
Fast forward to September 11, 2025, and the 2025-2026 Persian Gulf Pro League is still in its infancy, with most teams having played just two matches. Tractor's start has been underwhelming compared to their dominant form last year. They suffered a 0-1 home defeat in their opener and followed it with a goalless away draw, leaving them with only one point and a goal difference of -1. This places them in 14th position in the early standings, a stark contrast to their table-topping run last season. While it's too early to panic—after all, the league spans 30 rounds—these results highlight potential vulnerabilities. Last year, Tractor hit the ground running with early wins that built momentum; this time, defensive lapses and a lack of finishing have been evident.
A closer look at the squad reveals both continuity and significant changes that could influence their title defense. Tractor's roster for 2025-2026 features 29 players with an average age of 27.8, blending experience with youth. Notable holdovers include goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand (32), who brings World Cup pedigree, and centre-back Farshad Faraji (31), a reliable anchor in defense. The attack is led by young talents like Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh (24) at centre-forward, supported by midfielders such as Odildzhon Khamrobekov (29) from Uzbekistan. The club has eight foreign players, adding international flair and depth.
Transfer activity has been active, with 12 arrivals at a cost of €1.00 million, signaling investment in bolstering the team. Key signings include defensive reinforcements and midfield options to replace departures. However, the loss of nine players on free transfers, including playmaker Ricardo Alves to Sepahan FC and defender Aref Aghasi to Esteghlal FC, could hurt. These exits represent a drain on creativity and stability—Alves was a creative hub last season, and Aghasi's departure weakens the backline. Compared to last year, when the squad was largely intact and firing on all cylinders, this year's changes introduce uncertainty. Tractor has spent modestly to rebuild, but integrating new faces early in the season might explain the slow start. If they can gel quickly, their depth could propel them back to the top; otherwise, these transitions might prove costly in a competitive league.
The broader league context further complicates Tractor's bid for back-to-back titles. The 2025-2026 standings show surprising early leaders, with newly promoted Kheybar Khorramabad topping the table after two wins and six points, boasting a +2 goal difference. Close behind are Chadormalu (four points from a win and a draw), Esteghlal (four points), and Persepolis (four points), the latter two being traditional giants with unbeaten records so far. Persepolis, in particular, remains a formidable force, having been undefeated in 17 of their last 19 matches across recent seasons, showcasing their consistency. Sepahan Esfahan also lurks as a threat, with an undefeated streak in their last 16 outings. Other contenders like Malavan and Foolad Khuzestan are performing well early on, adding to the mix.
Compared to last year, when Tractor capitalized on slip-ups from Persepolis and Esteghlal to pull ahead, this season's parity suggests a more open race. Promoted sides like Kheybar and Chadormalu have injected fresh energy, potentially disrupting the established order. Statistical trends from early games indicate low-scoring affairs, with 44% of matches ending in draws and home teams winning only 25% of the time. This could favor Tractor's defensive style if they shore up their backline, but it also means dropped points in tight games could be punishing. Overall, the league's unpredictability—evident in the rise of underdogs—makes a repeat win less straightforward than last year's campaign.
Predicting the outright winner at this stage is speculative, but based on current form and historical data, Tractor's chances appear slimmer than in 2024-2025. Last year, they were frontrunners from the outset; this time, they're playing catch-up. Experts point to Persepolis as slight favorites due to their unbeaten run and squad stability, with odds reflecting a tight contest. Tractor, however, shouldn't be discounted—their title-winning experience, fan support in Tabriz, and recent investments could spark a turnaround. If they win their next few fixtures, momentum could swing back in their favor. A mid-season surge, similar to other defending champions in past IPL seasons, isn't out of the question.
For fans eager to engage beyond watching, betting on the Persian Gulf Pro League offers exciting opportunities. One popular option is the single bet of the day, where punters focus on a standout match like Tractor's upcoming clash against a mid-table side, wagering on a straightforward win to build confidence. Another strategy involves draw no bet tips, which eliminate the risk of a tie by refunding stakes if the game ends level—ideal for Tractor's games given the league's high draw rate. These approaches can enhance the viewing experience while capitalizing on early-season volatility.
In conclusion, while Tractor S.C. has the pedigree and potential to defend their crown, their early struggles and squad adjustments make a repeat victory less likely than last year's dominant run. The 2025-2026 season promises drama, with fierce competition from established rivals and surprise packages. If Tractor can address their finishing woes and integrate new signings effectively, they could very well contend for the top spot. However, based on the current trajectory, Persepolis or Esteghlal might edge them out. Fans should buckle up for a thrilling ride—football's beauty lies in its unpredictability, and Tractor's story this year is far from written.
