90min

Iran predicted lineup vs Wales - World Cup

By Jamie Spencer

Mehdi Taremi scored twice against England
Mehdi Taremi scored twice against England / ATPImages/GettyImages
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Iran still have a chance of reaching the World Cup knockout stages as long as they can bounce back from a heavy defeat to England in their opening game in Group B.

Carlos Queiroz named a team with a back five against England it didn't really work. There is more onus on Iran to be a little more open against more favourable opposition when they face Wales and the United States in the days to come.

Here's a look at the XI the Iran boss could name against Wales.

Iran predicted lineup vs Wales (4-5-1)

Mehdi Taremi
Mehdi Taremi cut a dejected figure as Iran were torn apart by England / ATPImages/GettyImages

GK: Hossein Hosseini - Set to continue in goal in place of the concussed Alizera Beyranvand - hopefully for his sake he won't concede six.

RB: Sadegh Moharrami - Facing the pace of Daniel James could be a tough test after being run ragged against the Three Lions.

CB: Morteza Pouraliganji - Decent in the air but his distribution against England was poor and must improve so Iran can retain the ball.

CB: Majid Hosseini - The physical battle with in-form Wales striker Kieffer Moore could be a defining part of this one.

LB: Milad Mohammadi - Struggled so badly against England that he was hooked after an hour. Is another start in the offing? Possibly.

RM: Alireza Jahanbakhsh - An important source of creativity, Iran will rely on Jahanbakhsh to come good in the wide areas.

CM: Ahmad Noorollahi - Outclassed by Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice on Monday but will be more at home against Wales.

CM: Saeid Ezatolahi - Seemed to improve things when he came on against England and Queiroz may reward that endeavour with a start.

CM: Ehsan Hajisafi - The skipper could offer a little more in midfield with a tactical shift and greater numbers in central reas.

LM: Vahid Amiri - Could get a chance to start after not making it off the bench last time.

ST: Mehdi Taremi - Scored twice against England and is almost certain to keep Sardar Azmoun out of the team - that is unless Quieroz decides the pair need to play together.

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