AFC Asian Cup 2023: Iran vs Syria: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The winner will either face Japan or Bahrain in the quarter-finals.

Following qualification from their respective groups of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, Iran and Syria will face each other in Round 16 on 31 January 2024 at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar. A place in the quarter-finals is up for grabs and there is no margin for error anymore in the relentless knockout stages.

Iran, one of the contenders for the Asian Cup trophy, finished as group winners in Group C after winning all three of their matches. As for Syria, their win against India on the final matchday in Group B earned them a well-deserved place in the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

The upcoming contest between Iran and Syria is set to be electrifying. While the three-time Asian champions Iran are the favourites to win, they cannot underestimate their opposition which is running high on a will to succeed. As the excitement builds ahead of the fixture, here is what to expect from it:

Kick-Off

Wednesday, 31 January, 9:30 PM IST at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Form

Iran (all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Syria (all competitions): D-D-D-L-W

Players to Watch

Mehdi Taremi (Iran)

Mehdi Taremi scored a brilliant brace in the previous fixture for Iran in a 2-1 win over United Arab Emirates. The FC Porto attacker is one of the star players in the Iranian squad who can single-handedly change the complexion of a game.

His creativity and finishing qualities make him a dangerous player, one that Syrian defenders must watch closely.

Ibrahim Hesar (Syria)

Ibrahim Hesar had a brilliant game against India. He created several opportunities for his teammates and got the assist for the winning goal.

His movement without the ball and composure on the ball makes him a great utility player. If Iran’s defenders are not careful enough, then Hesar has the quality to hurt them.

Match Facts

• Iran is one of the three teams to win all three games of the group stage in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
• Syria is in the knockout stages of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time.
• Iran is on a 16-match unbeaten run.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played – 30

Iran wins – 18

Syria wins – 1

Draws – 11

Predicted Lineup

Iran (4-2-3-1)

Beiranvand (GK), Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Safi, Rezaeian, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Jahanbaksh, Taremi, Ghayedi, Azmoun.

Syria (4-4-2)

Madanieh (GK), Weiss, Ousou, Krouma, Ajan, Al-Aswad, Elias, Ham, Ramadan, Hesar, Sabbag

Prediction for Iran vs Syria

Iran is strong on paper and has better individual players that will likely make the difference against Syria.

Prediction: Iran 2-1 Syria

Telecast for Iran vs Syria

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Oman – BeinSports, Alkass

United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands – Triller TV

Australia – Network 10

Saudi Arabia – Shahid

Tajikistan – Varzishtv

United Arab Emirates – ADTV

AFC Asian Cup 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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