Egypt

vs

Iran

Preview

Egypt

• Egypt have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five international matches in all competitions.
• Egypt earned a 1-1 draw with Belgium on Sunday.
• The coach of the Pharaohs, who has led them since February 2024, likes to build around Mo Salah and make the most of the star player's presence by employing a flexible, creative line-up that can explode in transition.

Iran

• Iran have won three, drawn one and lost one of their previous five international games (all competitions).
• Team Melli drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their Group G opener.
• A 2-0 win over Mali in a pre-tournament friendly away gives them a better record over their previous five games.
• The coach of Team Melli, who took charge in March 2023, is more disciplined in his approach and gets his players to lock into a solid structure, maintain compact midfield lines and play on the counter-attack and from set pieces.

Key Players

• Mo Salah is central to Egypt's system and Egypt will surely miss his influence if unavailable.
• Mohebi has put Iran ahead against New Zealand and could be a threat on the break or from set pieces.

Betting Insights

• Given their greater individual quality, Egypt are rightly favourites at 2.07 to beat an Iranian team that will be priced at around 4.0 and the draw at 3.15.
• Iran are so organised that they could make it a tough game in Seattle and may nick a goal on the break or from a set piece.
• The Under 2.5 goals market at 1.56 is recommended as a strong alternative bet to backing the game's underdog at this venue.
• The Iranians' recent away results make them good value on the double chance market.

Prediction

• Egypt are likely to win this match, but Iran won't make it easy.
• This could be a cagey, tactical battle where a single goal in the second half decides the game.