Wales vs Iran Predictions

• Wales impressed in the second half against the USA.
• Iran opened their Qatar account with a 6-2 loss to England.
• Kieffer Moore should start after making an impact as a substitute against the USA.

Wales looking to build on opening point

Wales fought back to earn a point in their World Cup opener against USA and a win over Iran on Friday would give them a real chance of progressing beyond the group stages.

The Dragons initially struggled against the Americans and they fell behind to a first-half effort from Timothy Weah. However, Wales mounted an impressive second half fightback and claimed a deserved point thanks to Gareth Bale’s second half penalty – and if they can pick up where they left off they should be able to overcome an Iran outfit who went down 6-2 to England in their opener.

Key game for Wales

Wales face England in their final group game so they desperately need a result against Iran if they are to progress. Rob Page’s men shouldn’t be underestimated and they may well be able to get something from their game against the Three Lions, but they won’t want to be relying on that game either and will be targeting a big performance against Iran.

Iran offered very little against England and were 4-0 down before they got on the scoresheet themselves. Mehdi Taremi of Porto is a quality forward and he grabbed both of their goals, but he was Iran’s only real outlet and if Wales can keep him quiet they should be able to claim maximum points.

Wales have gone six games without a win and that is a slight concern but it is worth noting that they have played both Belgium and the Netherlands twice during that run. As such, the odds-against price on a win for the Welsh looks excellent value ahead of this fixture on Friday.

Moore should get the nod

The introduction of Kieffer Moore after the break made a huge difference for Wales against the USA and he should now be rewarded with a start against the Iranians, particularly as they struggled with balls into the box against England.

Iran also seem set to be without first choice keeper Alireza Beiranvand after he sustained a head injury in their opener, and as such an anytime effort from Moore, who scored three goals in as many games for Bournemouth before heading to Qatart, has real appeal here.

Bale will be on spot kick duties and as always he appeals as a possible scorer, but Moore offers better value and there is a good chance this could be a fairly high-scoring game.

A 3-1 win for Wales looks a reasonable option in the correct score market as Iran have conceded eight goals across their last two games, having gone down 2-0 to Tunisia in their final game before the World Cup. Wales have gone six games without a clean sheet and as Iran scored twice against England they should at least be able to grab a consolation effort, even if they are unable to secure any points.

Best Wales vs Iran betting offers