Wales v Iran predictions: Fired-up Dragons can roar to crucial Group B victory

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

Where to watch

BBC One & S4C, 10am Friday

Best bet

Wales
1pt 10-11 Betfred

The Welsh fought back superbly after being outgunned by the US and will find Iran far more to their liking. Team Melli looked suspect at set-pieces in their heavy defeat to England so Dragons striker Kieffer Moore should be licking his lips.

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Match preview

Echoes of Euro 2020 should remind Wales what's needed to move into prime position to make the last 16 and they are worth trusting to see off the Iranians in Al Rayyan.

Last summer Wales went into their second group game at the European Championship finals needing to make a statement after coming from behind to draw their opening game 1-1 and with the section's big dogs to play in the third round of matches.

And Rob Page's men responded, deservedly beating Turkey 2-0, the result that laid the platform for qualification to the knockout phase.

This year's Turkey, following an opening 1-1 draw, are Iran, a team who, if you believe the Fifa rankings, are pretty much the match of Wales. If you look at the prices, however, it's a different story.

The well-supported Iranians will make the occasion seem like a home match but that's the only obvious advantage they have as they strive to wipe away the memories of their 6-2 humbling by England in their opener.

Iran were energetic enough against England but just outclassed. Losing their keeper to concussion early on was a setback but they looked like a side determined to sit deep, soak up pressure and try to get a 0-0. And if there was a Plan B once Jude Bellingham opened the scoring, they simply weren't allowed - or good enough - to deploy it.

Wales are a long way off England's class but they boast players with the pace to hurt Iran in Harry Wilson, Dan James and Brennan Johnson, at least two of whom may have to be used off the bench.

And they also have the towering figure of Kieffer Moore, a handful for Premier League defences and inevitably therefore a threat against the likes of Shojae Khalilzadeh and Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Iran's best defenders in qualifying who, for whatever reason didn't start against England but are expected to be recalled.

In Mehdi Taremi and fit-again Sardar Azmoun there's a threat in attack given decent service but they are no Christian Pulisic or Tim Weah and Wales, if they are organised, should have little to fear.

Page has a decision to make over Aaron Ramsey – he looks unfit and the manager's pacier alternatives would be more disconcerting for the Asians – but overall Wales should fancy their chances of nailing the three points to take into their showdown with England.

Key stat

Iran have scored only 11 goals in 16 World Cup finals ties.

Team news

Wales
Joe Allen is training again after a hamstring issue. Kieffer Moore is set to start up front.

Iran
Keeper Alireza Beiranvand (concussion) ought to be unavailable.

Probable teams

Wales (3-4-3) Wayne Hennessey; Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies; Connor Roberts, Ethan Ampadu, Harry Wilson, Neco Williams; Aaron Ramsey, Kieffer Moore, Gareth Bale.

Iran (5-4-1) Hossein Hosseini; Sadegh Moharrami, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Majid Hosseini, Ehsan Hajsafi; Alireza Jahanbahksh, Ahmad Nourollahi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Mehdi Taremi; Sardar Azmoun.

Inside info

Wales

Top scorer in probable team Gareth Bale
Star player Gareth Bale
Penalty taker Gareth Bale
Assist ace Aaron Ramsey
Set-piece aerial threat Kieffer Moore
Card magnet Kieffer Moore

Iran

Top scorer in probable team Sardar Azmoun
Star player Mehdi Taremi
Penalty taker Ehsan Hajsafi
Assist ace Alireza Jahanbahksh
Set-piece aerial threat Sardar Azmoun
Card magnet Sadegh Moharrami

Iran v Wales Bet Builder

Wales to win match Iran look to be there for the taking after they were blown apart by England and Wales have to feel confident after their spirited fightback against the USA.

Under 3.5 goals This may well be cagey given the ramifications of defeat so if Wales do get up it won't be in a high scorer.

Over 2.5 Iran cards There were two Iranian yellows showed against England, a team they couldn’t get near. This'll be more competitive so expect Arbiter Escobar to be busy.

Price guide 11-2

Match information

Stadium Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
Fifa rankings Wales 19, Iran 20
Weather 30C and sunny

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