Araz set the pace

By Erkin Ibragimov

MTK Araz Imishli are the talk of Azerbaijan as the newly promoted side have stormed to the top of the first division after the opening four rounds of this season’s campaign.

Defensive solidity
The surprise frontrunners can thank their defensive record - with no goals conceded to date - for their one-point lead over second-placed FK Karabakh. Azerbaijan Under-21 sweeper Sasha Yunusogly and 37-year-old goalkeeper Nadir Shukurov have grabbed the headlines with solid displays at the back though the forwards, with just five goals from four games, will need to improve their scoring ratio to maintain their early-season form.

Yet to concede
Reigning champions PFC Neftchi are well-placed for a repeat of last season's success with a 100 per cent record from their opening two games and, like Araz, they have yet to concede this season. This despite a summer of change at the Ismet Gayibov stadium, in which Neftchi lost experienced internationals Samir Abbasov, Agil Mammadov and Nadir Nabiyev, with just one major signing, Russian Anatoliy Tebloyev.

A new order

Abdullaev dismissed
There have already been coaching changes made this season, FK Baku coach Elkhan Abdullaev, an assistant to Carlos Alberto Torres in the national squad, lost his job after a 2-0 defeat by FK Karabakh in their second game.

Abdullayev back in charge
The former Azeri national coach Asker Abdullayev has left FK Shafa to take charge of Baku allowing his former assistant, the 39-year-old Nazim Aliyev, to succeed him at Shafa. Meanwhile, Mehdi Salmanov, who led FK Geyazan Gazakh to promotion last season, has left the club, with Shamil Geydarov taking over.

Leading the way
The top scorer to date is Burkina Faso striker Issa Nikiema, with five goals for FK Genclerbirliyi Sumgayit, who are currently in fifth position.