When it comes to Iran, it hasn’t been peaceful in their part of the world for decades. Yet they are the best-ranked Asian national team (FIFA ranks Team Melli 20th) and as such, they have something to prove to the world. However, the turmoil back home and a debacle against England at their World Cup opener (6-2) can be a double-edged sword – it can either pump them up to surprise the Welsh who are their next opponent, or crumble under the Dragons and succumb to the surrounding gloomy mood.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Wales and Iran head into their Group B fixture at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium aware that victory could take them a pivotal step towards qualification for the World Cup knockout stages.On Monday, Wales came from behind to earn a deserved share of the spoils against USA in the final match of the day. The Welsh have something to be angry about as they squandered a number of openings before Gareth Bale scored his first-ever World Cup goal from the penalty spot. His confident effort from 12 yards has put Wales in a position where their fate will be in their own hands if they can defeat Iran.Stairway to heaven? Wales fans arriving early for Iran game. pic.twitter.com/OMCFsWaOFR— Phil Blanche (@philblanche) November 25, 2022 The middle Eastern side were thoroughly outclassed by England – Carlos Queiroz’s side looking a shadow of the team that had previously collected a win and a draw from Uruguay and Senegal in September.Cymru coach Rob Page has a number of selection dilemmas ahead of this encounter. Ethan Ampadu’s ankle knock will be monitored, with Joe Morrell on standby to deputise, while Joe Allen is back in contention after not featuring since September due to injury. Page also faces the question of whether to include Kieffer Moore from the start after his impact against USA.Page may want to manage fitness levels, with Harry Wilson also in contention to drop to the substitutes’ bench and Daniel James is therefore seen as a favourite to drop out.Due to concussion protocols after Alireza Beiranvand’s head injury against England – Iran will be forced into a change between the sticks. Hossein Hosseini is in line to take his place, and Queiroz has a decision to make over whether to start Azmoun from the opening whistle.Iran boss Carlos Queiroz with a classy message to open his press conference: “Welcome to the big show for Wales after 64 years. It is incredible to see the Red Wall in the stadium.” #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/6hiwlGAEXJ— Ian Mitchelmore (@IanMitchelmore) November 24, 2022 Although three changes were made at the break on Monday, Queiroz may favour familiarity, although Ali Gholizadeh will hope for a start after supplying the assist for Taremi’s first goal.Page’s side are now winless in six outings and have only prevailed once in nine matches – and that is where the Iranians might find their chance to prevail.Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand is training in a mask ahead of Wales game. The goalkeeper suffered a broken nose and concussion after this collision with team-mate Majid Hosseini v England 🏴 🇮🇷 pic.twitter.com/TKhppJci7Z— Phil Blanche (@philblanche) November 24, 2022 QATAR 2022 WORLD CUPGROUP BFriday13:00: (2.25) Wales (3.05) Iran (3.60)22:00: (1.65) England (3.70) USA (5.70)***odds are subject to change***
