Iraq vs Syria Predictions

• Both sides are winless in their last 5 matches, with Iraq drawing 3 of their last 4 games.
• 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two have ended level.
• Both have yet to play in front of their own fans due to security concerns, with this match taking place in the Qatari capital of Doha.

Winless Duo Meet in Neutral Surroundings

The bottom two sides in Group A of the AFC World Cup qualifiers meet in Doha on Thursday afternoon, with both Iraq and Syria yet to either win a match or play in front of their own fans. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances surrounding both teams, neither has disgraced themselves in this campaign.

With South Korea and Iran looking certain to attain the two automatic qualification spots, this match represents an opportunity for both to revive their slim chances of finishing third and earning a playoff spot.

Tight Affair Likely in Doha

Despite their winless records, both sides have been competitive. Iraq, managed by former Netherlands and Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat since August, have managed some respectable results, most notably a goalless draw with South Korea in September.

Their Syrian visitors, meanwhile, were only beaten by one-goal margins by both of the group’s top two. 32-year old captain Omar Al-Somah, a three-time golden boot winner in Saudi Arabia, has 8 goals to his name throughout the various stages of the qualification campaign, sitting fifth in the goalscoring charts.

4 of the last 5 five meetings between these neighbours have ended level, while Iraq have drawn 3 of their 4 fixtures at this stage, and only 3 of the hosts’ last 12 competitive games have been decided by more than a one-goal margin. With Iraq once again lacking home advantage, another tight encounter seems likely, with a 1-1 draw appearing a strong prediction.