Iran vs USA: Predicted lineup, injury news and head-to-head

Khel Now

The two teams will meet in the final group B match with the expectation of qualifying for the knockout stage.

The match between Iran and the United States, which everyone will be rooting for, will be a difficult affair when viewed in a different light. Iran recovered from their huge defeat to England and showed ambition in a 2-0 win over Wales in the game’s final minute. They play the United States, and a win or a draw could send them to the round of 16 for the first time in their history.

While the United States drew once again with England. They are second in the table with two points and will need to win to advance to the round of 16. They played with conviction in both matches but were terrible at not scoring. However, this encounter will have no exemptions, and lost opportunities will have implications.

Kick-off: 12 am (IST), 7 pm (GMT)

Iran form (all competition): W-D-W-L-W

USA form (all competition): D-L-D-D-D

Players to watch

Iran

Mehdi Taremi

Although Taremi did not score against Wales, he caused worries for Wales’ defence with his positional sense and dragging defenders away from their places, creating space for his teammates. He was more than just a scorer against them; he also supported his teammate Sardar Azmoun upfront.

USA

Christian Pulisic

Pulisic was a truly innovative player for the national team, as he was extremely productive in the game and worked well with his teammates. He was a menace from the start and will once again ensure a positive outcome for the United States when they play Iran. This will be a crucial match because it will determine their World Cup chances, and individuals like Pulisic will be essential.

Injury and team news

Gregg Berhalter did not make any changes to his squad for their two matches and used the same lineup. Although there are no injuries, Giovanni Reyna’s removal as a starter has been strange, as the player is not injured, and the head coach did not comment on his omission.

While Azmoun came in as a substitute in their first encounter, he was limped off against Wales after suffering a thigh problem, and it remains to be seen if the player will start against the USA; the rest of the players are fit, and Carlos Queiroz will field a strong group.

Head-to-head stats

Matches: 2

Iran: 1

Draws: 1

USA: 0

Predicted lineup

Iran Starting predicted XI (4-4-2): H. Hosseini; Rezaeian, M. Hosseini, Pouraliganji; Mohammadi; Gholizadeh, Nourollahi, Ezatolahi, Hajsafi; Taremi, Ansarifard

USA Starting predicted XI (4-3-3): Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Reyna, Ferreira, Pulisic

Prediction

This will be a strenuous match as both countries have never had strong off-field ties, so they will have something to prove on Tuesday night. Although the USA appeared to be a sharp and proper team with great understanding among themselves, they were not efficient, which should be addressed before their biggest encounter. While Iran required injury time to win, they presented a challenge and overwhelmed Wales.

If the United States maintains the same cadence as they did against the United States, they will be a merciless force and advance to the next round. Iran will be unable to match the United States’ vigour and will be swamped by their quickness.

Prediction: Iran 1-3 USA

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