Egypt vs Iran Predictions

• Egypt are virtually assured of a place in the knockout stages
• A point would probably be enough for Iran to progress
• Egypt have three clean sheets in their last six games

Egypt and Iran may take a point

Egypt lead the way in Group G with four points and that total should be enough to see them qualify for the next round irrespective of their result against Iran in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Iran need a win to guarantee progress but a draw may also be enough for them to reach the last 32 as one of the best third place teams or even as runners-up in the group, depending on the result of Belgium’s clash with New Zealand.

Iran are the underdogs and backing them to either win or draw in the double chance market looks the best angle. The Persian Cheetahs have been harshly treated during their World Cup campaign before as Visa issues have resulted in additional travelling and members of their backroom team haven’t been allowed to enter the USA, those experiences seem to have galvanised this squad.

Iran dug in deep to hold Belgium at bay in their last game and then nearly managed to sneak a victory after the Red Devils had been reduced to 10 men. They are unlikely to face anywhere near as much pressure against an Egypt side who are guaranteed a top two finish if they take a point, so a draw could be on the cards and as such it makes sense to back Iran in the double chance market as the underdogs. Iran are also potentially the more likely side to sneak a win as well given the fact the Pharaohs have probably already done enough to qualify, so the double chance option makes more sense than simply going for a draw.

A 0-0 draw is the pick as both sides are unlikely to take too many risks going forward and a clean sheet will be the priority for Iran. Egypt have three clean sheets in their last six games and Iran held Belgium to a goalless stalemate last time out so a bore draw has a chance here.