Wales vs Iran - World Cup: Team news, lineups & prediction
Match preview
Wales and the USA knew they couldn't afford to lose their respective games in Al Rayyan after England destroyed Iran, and a 1-1 draw was the most frequently predicted result going into the match.
Wales was fortunate to still be in the game at the end of the first half because neither team really played as though they were content with a point.
The Dragons wasted a number of opportunities in the second half before Gareth Bale converted a penalty kick to score his first World Cup goal.
Wales' star player may not have been at his commanding best, but his assured shot from 12 yards has put Wales in a position where, if they can defeat Iran, their destiny will be in their own hands.
Robert Page's team is now winless in six games and has only triumphed once in nine contests, despite the fact that the draw is generally regarded as a point earned.
Form didn't matter much as Iran was completely overwhelmed by England, Carlos Queiroz's team looked like a shell of the group that had previously defeated Uruguay and Senegal in September with victories and draws.
To their credit, Team Melli never gave up and managed to score two consolation goals in the last period, the second of which was a highly contentious penalty decision based on the threshold that had been applied earlier in the game.
Mehdi Taremi's two goals highlighted his offensive threat, and Sardar Azmoun's appearance as a substitute after suffering an injury will only boost Iran's confidence going into this match.
Iran has not scored more than twice in a game in nine attempts despite the presence of the aforementioned pair, which is ideal as they look to lessen their negative difference.
Wales team news
Before this match, Page is struggling with a variety of selection decisions, including whether to start Kieffer Moore after his impact against the USA.
Harry Wilson may also be in line to move to the bench for substitutes, so Page may want to manage fitness levels even though Daniel James would be the favourite to withdraw.
Ethan Ampadu's ankle injury will be closely watched, and Joe Morrell will step in if necessary. Joe Allen, who hasn't played since September because of an injury, is also back in the mix.
Irans team news
Due to concussion protocols following Alireza Beiranvand's head injury against England, Iran will be forced to change goalies.
Queiroz must decide whether to start Azmoun from the first whistle or move Hossein Hosseini up to take his place.
Ali Gholizadeh will hope for a start after providing the assist for Taremi's first goal, despite the fact that Queiroz made three substitutions at halftime on Monday.
Wales possible starting lineup
Hennessey; Mepham, Rodon, B Davies; C Roberts, Ramsey, Ampadu, N Williams; Bale, Johnson, D James.
Irans possible starting lineup
H. Hosseini; Moharrami, Pouraliganji, Cheshmi, M. Hosseini, Mohammadi; Jahanbakhsh, Noorollahi, Karimi, Gholizadeh; Taremi
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