Iran vs Bahrain Match Preview

Iran is ranked at 3rd place with 9 points and comes after three wins and two losses over the last five matches. Currently they sit three points from the top of the group which is their goal for these qualifiers, but two surprising losses against Bahrain and Iraq complicated their situation.

With 20 goals scored they have the best offensive side in this group and one of the best in whole Asian qualifiers. In their team there are quality players especially in attack with the likes of Azmoun - Zenit Saint Petersburg, Taremi - Porto and Ansarifard - AEK Athens. All three have scored a total of 84 goals for the national team. Also in midfield they have Jahanbakhsh - Brighton and Ghoddos - Brentford, while in goal should be Beiranvand - Antwerp. They will play with their best eleven here, as they need to climb in ranks and playing at home will motivate them even more.

Bahrain, on the other hand, is ranked at first place of the grouo with 12 points and comes after three wins and two draws over the last five matches. Despite they have done a very good effort being first-placed, they had scored only three goals in five games before the big 8-0 win against Cambodia which improved their goal difference.

The thing is that they have a solid team and could compete until the end for a top-two spot. However, for a game like this I see it very difficult for them. Most of their players play in the Bahrain domestic league and of course the lack of experience for big games like this could be a crucial factor here. They have focused a lot on a defensive football and I expect the same here considering that even a point would suit them.

In conclusion, I think Iran can win this match. There is a lot at stake here and for a team like them I expected Iran to step up and show why they are one of the best teams in Asia, being one of the favorite teams to qualify by the bookies. Bahrain has never won on the road against them collecting three defeats and two draws.