Azerbaijan Premier League, Turan Tovuz, Qarabağ FK, Neftçi PFK, Araz-Naxçıvan PFK, Azerbaijan, Sabah FK from

Football: Azerbaijan Premier League kicks off, Turan Tovuz and Karabakh among title contenders

Azerbaijan's top-flight football league, the Premier League, kicked off on August 5, 2023, with 10 teams vying for the title.

Defending champions Karabakh FK will be looking to retain their crown, while Turan Tovuz, Neftchi PFK, and Araz-Naxçıvan PFK are also expected to be in the mix.

The league will be played over 36 rounds, with each team playing each other four times. The top six teams at the end of the season will qualify for European competitions, with the top two teams going into the Champions League and the third- and fourth-placed teams going into the Europa League.

Karabakh FK are the most successful team in Azerbaijan, having won the Premier League eight times, including the last three seasons. They will be looking to make it four in a row this season, but they will face stiff competition from Turan Tovuz, who finished second last season.

Turan Tovuz have strengthened their squad over the summer and will be hoping to challenge Karabakh FK for the title. They have signed several experienced players, including former Azerbaijan international Ruslan Amirjanov.

Neftchi PFK are another team who will be hoping to challenge for the title. They finished third last season and have also strengthened their squad over the summer. They have signed several young players, including promising midfielder Emin Mahmudov.

Araz-Naxçıvan PFK are another team who could be in the mix for the title. They finished fourth last season and have also strengthened their squad over the summer. They have signed several experienced players, including former Azerbaijan international Elvin Mammadov.

The other teams in the league are Sabah FK, Sumgayit FK, Zira FK, Gabala FK, and Shamakhi FK. They will all be hoping to finish in the top six and qualify for European competitions.

The Azerbaijan Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in Eastern Europe. The teams are all well-matched and there are always several teams in contention for the title. This season is expected to be no different, with Karabakh FK, Turan Tovuz, Neftchi PFK, and Araz-Naxçıvan PFK all in the mix for the title.