Qatar vs Iran: Predictions & Betting Tips Here!

Qatar vs Iran

World Cup, KO: 19:15, Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium

As the stage is set for a thrilling clash in Al Rayyan, Qatar is on high alert, hoping that the table-toppers, Iran, might take their foot off the gas. With a spot in the World Cup secured, can Iran afford to relax, or will Qatar seize the opportunity to boost their own qualification ambitions?

Qatar’s Road to Glory

Currently languishing in fourth place in Group A, Qatar’s aspirations are still very much alive. With just two matches left, a victory against Iran could cement their place in the next round, especially with a four-point cushion over Kyrgyzstan. A win in front of their home crowd could be the momentum shift they desperately need!

After their impressive performance hosting the World Cup, Qatar is intent on continued growth under the guidance of new head coach Julen Lopetegui, previously of West Ham and Real Madrid. They’ve showcased resilience at home, winning three out of four matches in the group, highlighted by a decisive 5-1 victory against North Korea. This win has inflected their confidence, making it a significant moment for Lopetegui’s tenure.

Iran: The Formidable Opponent

Iran, already qualified for the North American finals next summer, enters this matchup with a bulletproof record: six wins and two draws in their qualifying campaigns. Managed by the astute Amir Ghalenoei, Iran embodies quality and depth in their squad.

However, with potential rotations in the lineup, will their leading stars rest or rise to the occasion? Whatever the decision, expect Iran to pose a formidable challenge for the hosts.

How the Bookmakers View It

With the stakes high, the odds reflect the matchup’s intensity. Qatar is favored at **13/10**, while Iran, with little to play for, is listed as **7/4** outsiders. A draw, which may suit Qatar, sits at **9/4**. This makes for an intriguing betting landscape!

Recent Encounters: A Trend to Note

In their last meeting, Iran dominated Qatar with a stunning **4-1 victory** in Tehran, a contrast to their unexpected **3-2 defeat** at the Asian Cup last year. Notably, Iran had previously enjoyed a five-game winning streak against Qatar prior to that match, highlighting their historical edge.

Key Players to Watch

No discussion of Qatar’s strategy would be complete without mentioning Almoez Ali. Holding an impressive international record with **60 goals in 122 caps**, he’s scored five times in Group A. His ability to deliver under pressure makes him a prime candidate for an anytime goalscorer! Meanwhile, Iran’s promising talent, **Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad**, may be unleashed to make his mark, having shown great potential at the youth level.

Projected Line-ups

Qatar will be without defender **Lucas Mendes**, suspended due to a red card from their recent loss to Kyrgyzstan. Iran, meanwhile, is expected to make some changes, particularly regarding star striker **Mehdi Taremi** after a grueling Champions League final with Inter Milan.

Qatar’s likely Starting XI: Barsham, Miguel, Suhail, Salman, Boudiaf, Madibo, Hatem, Fathy, Edmilson Junior, Afif, Ali.

Iran’s likely Starting XI: Beiranvand, Hardani, Aghasi, Mohammadi, Khalilzadeh, Ezatolahi, Ghayedi, Hashemnezhad, Alipour, Ghoddos, Hosseinnejad.

What to Expect

With freedom from pressure for Iran and ambition for Qatar, this encounter promises to be a treat for football enthusiasts. The odds for both teams to score stand at **8/13**, and for those feeling adventurous, coupled with **over 2.5 goals**, the odds elevate to **23/20**, a bet that has landed in **seven out of eight** matches for Qatar in this group.

Additionally, with just one match in Iran’s group resulting in high corner counts, consider betting on **under nine corners** at evens with Bet365—this presents an excellent opportunity for astute punters. And for those backing Qatar, the odds of **10/11** for them to score first seem particularly enticing, as they aim to establish dominance from the outset.

Further Reading