On Friday morning, Wales and Iran go head-to-head in gameweek two of Group B of the World Cup in what could be a pivotal game in both teams’ chances of qualifying for the last 16.
Wales form guideRobert Page’s team claimed a 1-1 draw against the USA in gameweek one courtesy of a late Gareth Bale penalty. The draw puts the Dragons in a decent position to qualify for the knockout stages. However, to qualify for the last 16 of the competition, they will likely need a win in this clash.
The problem for Wales is that they haven’t won in their last six international games. The draw last time out at least ended a three-game losing streak.
IranCarlos Queiroz’s team kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 6-2 hammering at the hands of England. This game is a must not lose-for Iran if they are to have any lingering hope of making it to the knockout stages of the competition.
The defeat against England ended a three-game unbeaten run in international football. However, on the flip side, Iran has won just two of their last five matches. The defeat against Gareth Southgate’s team also ended a run of low-scoring games, as their previous three matches had all produced under 2.5 goals.
Iran has a poor recent record at the World Cup, having won just one of their previous 11 games in the competition. That record includes suffering defeats in four of their last six matches.
Latest team newsWales are expected to be without midfielder Joe Allen. The introduction of striker Kiefer Moore against the USA changed the game for the Dragons. The Bournemouth star is likely to start this game.
Iran will be without goalkeeper Alizera Beyranvand after he sustained a concussion in the defeat against England. Hossein Hosseini will replace him in goal. Sardar Azmoun could start after making a cameo off the bench against England.
What am I backing?Iran were woeful against England, while Wales enjoyed a game of two halves against the USA. I am backing Wales to record a narrow win and put themselves in a strong position in the group ahead of matchday three.
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