Having battled for a valuable point in their 2022 World Cup opener against the United States, Wales return to action against Iran at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Friday.
With England to face in their last outing in Group B, it’s almost a must-win game for the Welsh, against an Iran side who were blown away 6-2 in their opener with the Three Lions on Monday.
Wales vs Iran Betting Tips
- Wales to win and over 2.5 goals @ 3/1
- #PickYourPunt – Gareth Bale to score anytime and over 3.5 Wales corners @ 12/4
Team news
Wales boss Rob Page has a decision to make up front, having seen Bournemouth forward Kieffer Moore impress off the bench in the 1-1 draw with the US.
Harry Wilson and Ethan Ampadu both picked up knocks against the Stars and Stripes and they are potential doubts for the return to the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
As for Iran, keeper Alireza Beiranvand suffered a nasty head injury against England and will be unavailable for Friday.
Hossein Hosseini is set to deputise once again between the sticks in Beiranvand’s absence, while Ali Gholizadeh is pushing for a start after coming off the bench against England to assist Mehdi Taremi’s first goal.
Wales to win and over 2.5 goals @ 3/1
Iran boss Carlos Queiroz won’t have had long to resolve his side’s defensive issues before this clash with Wales in Al Rayyan.
The Iranians allowed England 13 shots at goal in their opener and their chances were not helped by the injury to first-choice keeper Beiranvand.
Iran looked erratic in their defensive efforts under significant pressure against the English and Wales should have the firepower in attack to cause them problems on Friday.
Meanwhile, Iran did have their moments in attack against Gareth Southgate’s England with Taremi the star of the show for Team Mellli.
The Porto striker might well have more chances to add to his goalscoring tally in Qatar, against a Welsh defence that did look vulnerable at times against the Stars and Stripes.
Wales should have enough quality around the park over the 90 minutes to get the valuable three points, while this could well be a high-scoring game considering the two defences on show.
#PickYourPunt – Gareth Bale to score anytime and over 3.5 Wales corners @ 12/4
Gareth Bale was the man of the hour for his country once again last time out, as his penalty helped the Dragons to the draw with the US.
Expect Bale to be a goalscoring threat, especially as the designated penalty and free-kick taker for Page’s side.
Meanwhile, England had eight corners against Iran, who at times were just happy to have the ball out of play.
Wales should earn over 3.5 corners during the game and that, added to a Bale goal at anytime, comes in at a good price with #PickYourPunt at 12/4.
