Wales vs Iran - World Cup: Team news, lineups & prediction
Wales and Iran will both be looking for better results as they meet each other in the second round of Group B fixtures at the World Cup.
Wales needed a late penalty to rescue a draw against the United States on Monday night, while Iran were thrashed by an England side that took their foot off the gas in the closing stages.
If either side wants their World Cup campaign to extend beyond this first round, they realistically cannot come away from this anything other than a win. That is especially crucial for Wales, who still have the hardest match of the group to come afterwards when they meet England.
Where are Wales vs Iran playing?
- Location: Al Rayyan, Qatar
- Stadium: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
- Date: Friday 25 November
- Kick-off Time: 10:00 GMT / 05:00 ET / 02:00 PT
Wales vs Iran H2H Results (All Time)
- Wales: 1 win
- Iran: 0 wins
- Draws: 0
Current Form (Last Five Games)
- Wales: DLLLD
- Iran: LWDWL
Wales team news
Joe Allen has started training again, which is a boost, although he still remains a doubt for this game. Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson are also doubts after coming off again the United States.
Kieffer Moore could command a start after doing well off the bench.
Wales predicted lineup against Iran
Wales starting 11 (3-4-3): Hennessy; Mepham, Rodon, B. Davies; Roberts, Ramsey, Morrell, N. Williams; Bale, Moore, James.
Bench: Ward, A. Davies, Gunter, Lockyer, Cabango, Smith, J. Williams, Allen, Harris, Levitt, Ampadu, Colwill, Thomas, Johnson, Wilson,
Iran team news
Star forward Sardar Azmoun wasn't fit enough to start against England but came off the bench. However, Mehdi Taremi scored twice and isn't likely to be dropped.
Hossein Hosseini is set to continue in goal in place of Alizera Beyranvand following the concussion he suffered against England.
Iran predicted lineup vs Wales
Iran starting 11 (4-5-1): H. Hosseini; Moharrami, Pouraliganji, M. Hosseini, Mohammadi; Jahanbakhsh, Noorollahi, Ezatolahi, Hajisafi, Amiri; Taremi
Bench: Abedzadeh, Niazmand, Khalilzadeh, Jalali, Ghoddos, Rezaeian, Ansarifard, Azmoun, Torabi, Kanaani, Gholizadeh, Karimi, Cheshmi
Wales vs Iran score prediction
Based on the two games these sides have been involved in so far, you would have to back Wales in this one. But Iran at least showed in the second half against England they have an attacking threat that means they have to be taken seriously.
Wales will have to defend resolutely but, if they get things right up front, it could be a first World Cup win since beating Hungary at the 1958 edition of the tournament.
Prediction: Wales 2-1 Iran