Iran vs Kyrgyzstan – Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds – September 5, 2024

In the third matchweek of the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Iran will host Kyrgyzstan at the Folad Shahr Stadium. Iran is aiming for its fourth consecutive World Cup finals in 2026. Who will emerge victorious after 90 minutes?

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Iran form

Iran has established itself as a fixture at recent World Cups, having appeared in each of the last three finals since missing out on the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Qualification for the 2026 World Cup began in the second round, where the team picked up 14 points from six games to top Group E, ahead of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Hong Kong.

Led by Amir Ghalenoei, who is in his second stint as head coach, Iran have proved to be formidable opponents, recording 18 wins, four draws and just one loss. The team is currently on a four-match unbeaten streak and will be looking to continue that streak in their next match against Kyrgyzstan after securing a convincing 5-1 win at the 2023 CAFA Nations Cup.

The Iranians will be optimistic that they can continue their good form in Thursday's match, having remained unbeaten in their last 22 World Cup qualifiers. This impressive record boosts their confidence and they will be aiming for another good result.

Expected position of Iran

Beiranvand; Hardani, Khalilzadeh, Hazbavi, Jalali; Jahanbakhsh, Ghorbani, Ghoddos, Ghayedi; Taremi, Azmoun

Kyrgyzstan form

Kyrgyzstan enters the third phase of World Cup qualifying having finished second in their group, just one point ahead of Malaysia in the second round. Despite a difficult start with a 4-3 loss to Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan bounced back with three straight wins, including back-to-back victories against Chinese Taipei.

Two 1-1 draws against Malaysia and Oman cemented their place in the top two and kept alive their hopes of a possible first-time World Cup qualification. Kyrgyzstan will be aiming to reach the third round to finish in the top two to qualify automatically, or at least third or fourth to move into an additional qualifying round.

Their immediate goal is Thursday's away game, where they will be looking for their first win against Iran, a strong opponent, a crucial step on their path to the World Cup.

Expected line-up of Kyrgyzstan

Tokotaev; Zhyrgalbek uulu, Brauzman, Kozubaev, Kichin, Mishchenko; Akhmedov, Abdurakhmanov, Zhukurov, Alykulov; Kojo

Expert tips for Iran vs. Kyrgyzstan

Shoja Khalilzadeh and Amin Hazbavi are expected to play in central defence, while Saleh Hardani and Abolfazl Jalali could be deployed as full-backs. Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi are likely to form the two strikers. Both players are at the top of the list of Iran's all-time top scorers.

On the other hand, the visitors could use a back five consisting of Kayrat Zhyrgalbek uulu, Khristiyan Brauzman, Tamirlan Kozubaev, Valery Kichin and Aleksandr Mishchenko. Joel Kojo is a key attacking threat for Kyrgyzstan, having scored seven goals in his international matches.

Iran have a strong record at home in World Cup qualifying, winning 16 of their last 20 matches, and they will be expected to capitalise on home advantage and secure a comfortable win at the start of the third round.