Iran v USA predictions: Iran can edge fiery Group B showdown

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Iran v USA in World Cup Group B on Tuesday.

Where to watch

BBC Two, 7pm Tuesday

Best bet

Iran draw no bet
2pts 7-4 Betfair, BoyleSports

The USA impressed in their draw with England last time out but their lack of goals is a concern and could prove costly in a huge Group B showdown with Iran.

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Match preview

Iran against the USA was billed as having the potential to be one of the most fiery games of the World Cup group stage when the draw was made, and there is added spice to their Group B showdown with both sides still looking to make the last 16.

For the USA, the situation is straightforward - they must beat Iran to make the knockout stage.

As for Iran, they will secure a spot in the round of 16 with a victory, although a draw would also suffice, provided Wales fail to beat England in the other Group B game.

That puts Carlos Queiroz's side in control of this one, although it remains to be seen how they will approach the game.

If they are confident in England's ability to see off Wales, Iran may want to sit back and settle for a draw but they were carved apart when they took that approach against the Three Lions in their 6-2 opening defeat.

And although they also saw less of the ball against Wales, Iran reaped the rewards for showing greater attacking intent, winning 2-0, although they should have broken the deadlock earlier than the 98th minute.

The USA were arguably the better team in their goalless draw with England last time out with coach Gregg Berhalter setting up his side to suffocate the Three Lions and limit the space between their defence and midfield.

Midfielders Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams were particularly impressive, playing with high energy and pressing well, and the Stars and Stripes should be pleased with that result.

Their youthful side have impressed in Qatar and that bodes well for when they host the World Cup along with Mexico and Canada in 2026.

However, they will surely be regretting the result of their opener against Wales, who they allowed back into the game in the second half after leading 1-0 at the break.

USA's lack of cutting edge in attack cost them in that match and their crunch clash with Iran could also be decided by the difference between the sides in the attacking third.

Iran's first two games produced a total of ten goals and they possess one of the best attacking combinations in Asia in Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun.

Both sides have looked promising in Qatar but Iran are worth a bet to come out on top with the insurance of a draw-no-bet selection, where stakes are returned in the event of a stalemate.

Key stat

Iran have lost only two of their last seven matches.

Team news

Iran
Alireza Jahanbakhsh is suspended after picking up two yellow cards , while there are doubts surrounding the fitness of Sardar Azmoun. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is available again after suffering a concussion against England.

USA
There have been calls for Gio Reyna to start, but Gregg Berhalter looks likely to go for Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah and Haji Wright up front.

Probable teams

Iran (4-3-3) H Hosseini; Rezaeian, M Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Mohammadi; Nouerollahi, Ezatolahi, Hajsafi; Gholizadeh, Azmoun, Taremi.

USA (4-3-3) Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Wright, Weah, Pulisic.

Inside info

Iran

Top scorer in probable team Sardar Azmoun
Star player Sardar Azmoun
Penalty taker Ehsan Hajsafi
Assist ace Mehdi Taremi
Set-piece aerial threat Saeid Ezatolahi
Card magnet Ramin Rezaeian

USA

Top scorer in probable team Christian Pulisic
Star player Christian Pulisic
Penalty taker Christian Pulisic
Assist ace Weston McKennie
Set-piece aerial threat Walker Zimmerman
Card magnet Timothy Weah

Iran v USA Bet Builder

Over 2.5 goals
The USA have to win this match to keep their last-16 hopes alive and that need to attack points to a potentially high-scoring game.

Christian Pulisic over 1.5 shots on target
Christian Pulisic was lively against England, managing four shots, and he is fancied to steer at least two on target against Iran.

Over 3.5 cards
This will be a fiery affair for a number of reasons and Iran have already picked up four yellow cards in this tournament.

Price guide 6-1

Match information

Stadium Al Thumama Stadium, Doha
Fifa rankings Iran 20, USA 16
Weather Cloudy, 25C.

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