World Cup 2022 Wales vs Iran Tips and Predictions

Group B continues with Wales hosting Iran at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium at 13:00 local time.

Wales are once again likely to be backed by a vociferous support in Qatar. The Welsh fans were in terrific voice on Monday night and having seen their side perform admirably five days ago, they will be feeling confident of taking all three points from this contest. Rob Page’s side took a while to find their feet against the USA, however, the addition of Keiffer Moore changed the dynamic of their forward line and they deservedly took a point from the contest.

Iran have been praised for their defensive qualities, however, they were carved apart by England on Monday afternoon. Nevertheless, Team Melli did look capable at the other end of the field and scored twice through FC Porto striker Mehdi Taremi. Coming into this game with a goal difference of -4 is far from ideal and they will need to ensure that they don’t fall behind early and have to chase the game.

10Bet have priced up Wales as the 23/20 favourites for this clash and that is likely to be based on their recent performances at major tournament. Nevertheless, Iran can take some confidence from netting twice against England and can be backed for an unexpected victory at 11/4.

• This the first ever meeting between Wales and Iran
• Wales – Wales have managed to keep just a single clean sheet across their last 12 matches in all competitions.
• Iran – managed to keep four clean sheets across their last five WC qualifying games, however, they were hit for six on Monday afternoon.

Iran are extremely frustrating to play against, however, they weren’t at their best on Monday. Nevertheless, they didn’t give up and showed lots of spirit and tenacity to continue probing despite the significant deficit. They should push Wales all the way.

WALES TO WIN BY A ONE GOAL MARGIN

Despite both being expected to play second fiddle to England in Group B, both of these sides will still fancy their chances of sneaking through to the round of 16. Iran are unlikely to be too dispirited by their defeat on Monday and Carlos Queiroz’s side will push forward here and ask questions of the Welsh defence. /p>

BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE

Carlos Queiroz’s side managed to keep England at arm’s length for at least 30 minutes on Monday, however, they collapse thereafter. Wales are pretty decent defensively, however, they are less potent than England and may struggle to find a way through prior to the break.

HALF TIME RESULT – DRAW

Wales

Rob Page’s side are usually tough to beat and battled back from a goal down on Monday night. They should battle throughout the 90 minutes once again.  

Key Player/s: Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Keiffer Moore. 

Team news: Rob Page admitted that many of his players were ‘cramping up’ towards the end of the match having played very little competitive football over the last few months. Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson both took knocks and will be assessed. 

Predicted Lineup: Wayne Hennessey, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Mepham, Connor Roberts, Neco Williams, Harry Wilson, Dan James, Brennan Johnson, Gareth Bale

Iran

Iran are defensively resolute and they should be able to hold firm for great swathes of this game. They will be relying on Mehdi Taremi and Sadar Azmoun for creativity in the final third.

Key Player/s: Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Taremi.

Team news: Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand went off with concussion on Monday and isn’t likely to be risked in this game. 

Predicted Lineup: Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Mohammed Hossein Kanani, Sadegh Moharrami, Majid Hosseini, Ahmed Noorollahi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Ali Gholizadeh, Ali Karimi, Sardar Azmoun, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Taremi.

Prior to the tournament, many would have predicted that this match was an Under 2.5 Goals banker. However, Iran showed a bit of adventure in the second half and should be able to find the net against Wales. Wales deserved their goal against USA and their creativity and endeavour should see them find the back of the net too.

Bet on Both Teams to Score