Egypt will look to seal top spot in Group G as they take on Iran in Seattle in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Egypt are in an excellent position to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the very first time, picking up four points from their opening two matches.
Hossam Hassan’s men opened up with a 1-1 draw with group favourites Belgium before coming from a goal down to defeat New Zealand 1-3 – which was also their first-ever win at the World Cup finals.
The Pharaohs know that a win will secure top spot in Group G, whilst even a draw will guarantee a top two finish.
Despite all the off-field distractions, Iran are still in with a chance of reaching the knockout stages after drawing both of their group matches.
Team Melli twice came from a goal down to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in their group opener, before holding Belgium to a goalless stalemate.
Amir Ghalenoei’s men know a win against Egypt will guarantee a top-two finish, whilst a draw will likely see them finish in third position and possibly sneak through as one of the eight third-placed sides.
How the bookies view it: Both sides happy with a draw?
Iran are underdogs to claim the win they require to confirm a top two finish, with bet365 pricing them at 11/4.
Egypt are slight favourites at 29/20, with the draw marginally bigger at 13/8.
Head to head: First-ever competitive meeting
Saturday morning’s clash in Seattle will be the first-ever competitive meeting between these two nations.
The two have previously met in a couple of friendlies, with Iran winning 2-1 in 1975, whilst the most recent meeting in 2000 finished in a 1-1 draw.
Players to watch: More magic from Mo?
Mo Salah produced for Egypt once again last time against New Zealand, as he gave the Pharaohs the lead halfway through the second half, which was his 68th for his country, putting him one behind his head coach, Hossam Hassan.
The ex-Liverpool attacker also set up the third goal in that game, and he is an appealing 11/10 at bet365 to Score or Assist.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Predicted line-ups:
Egypt are set to be without Hamdy Fathy, whilst Hossam Abeldmagid is a doubt.
Iran appear to have no fresh injury or suspension concerns from their draw with Belgium last time out.
Egypt: Shobeir, Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatou, Attiah, Lasheen, Zika, Salah, Ashour, Marmoush
Iran: Beiranvand, Rezaeian, Kanani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Hajsafi, Jahanbakhsh, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Mohebbi, Taremi
Anything else catch the eye?
Group G has been tight across the opening two Matchdays, with three of the four clashes ending in draws, including both of Iran’s.
Whilst a win for Egypt will confirm first place and a victory for Iran will seal a top-two finish, a draw could suit both, and that’s the way I’m leaning for this clash.
GambleAware