ANYONE for the ‘Great Satan' v the ‘Axis of Evil'?
One of the great grudge matches takes place on Tuesday when Iran and the USA meet with both knowing a win guarantees them a place in the next round.
What was already a powderkeg encounter has been cranked up a notch after Iran demanded the Americans be kicked out of the World Cup because the US Soccer Federation displayed Iran’s national flag on social media, in a now-deleted graphic, without the emblem of the Islamic Republic – in support of protesters in Iran.
It looks like a spectacular own goal with Iran already hyped up for this and they will also have the vast majority of the support inside the stadium too.
Realistically, a draw will probably be enough for the Iranians after their superb and thoroughly deserved win over Wales, unless the Welsh stun England at the same time. It blew away the gloom following their hammering from England.
The States have started with two draws against Wales and England, They won plenty of plaudits for their display against England and in the first half against the Welsh.
But they are probably going to need a win here and that should count for a sizzling game in a hostile atmosphere.
How the bookies view it
USA are odds-on favourites here at 47/50. Iran can be backed at 14/5 and the draw is 23/10 with Highbet.
Recent head to head
The nations famously met in the 1998 World Cup in France in the height of the Gulf tensions and the Iranians won 2-1 to spark off scenes of absolute jubilation.
Players to watch
Ramin Rezaeian was Iran's hero against the Welsh with his long range shot beating Danny Ward and the Oostende man will doubtless be ordered to sjoot on sight again. He is a big price of 15/1 with Highbet to score another goal.
Chelsea's Christian Pulisic is the USA's creative force and he could be a big player on Tuesday for the Americans. He is 12/5 to score anytime with Highbet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Iran's support here could be off the scale and they can push them on to what would be something of a shock in terms of odds anyway.
The American social media policy seems to be a huge blunder and will surely motivate Iran even further as if they needed it and the odds seems to be based that a draw might be enough for Iran, but they will be desperate to put one over their mortal enemies.
With Spanish ref Antonio Mateo Lahoz in charge, he should love being at the centre of attention and he might be a busy man. Go for the 17/20 on over 4.5 cards with Highbet.
This World Cup match between Iran and USA will be played on Nov 29, 2022 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Iran vs USA prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Iran v USA.
Few small stake bets for interest
Iran double chance 10-11 🇮🇷 NAP 🇮🇷
Iran double chance and Iran score 6-5
Iran double chance and BTTS 9-4.
Sardar azmoun anytime scorer 13-5.
Mehdi taremi anytime scorer 3-1
Prediction 2-1 Iran