Egypt sit top of Group G with four points after two matches. A win against Iran would wrap up first place and knockout qualification for them at Lumen Field on June 27.
Their form has been steady enough. A 3-1 win over New Zealand in the World Cup stands out, along with that 1-0 friendly result against Russia. Draws with Belgium and Spain show they don't concede much, even if the 1-2 loss to Brazil was a blip.
Iran have collected just two points so far and need a result here to stay in the round of 32 hunt. They've drawn both their group games, 0-0 with Belgium and 2-2 with New Zealand, but lost 1-2 to Nigeria earlier in March.
Predicted lineups point to Mohamed Salah leading Egypt's attack in a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Omar Marmoush alongside him. Iran look to Mehdi Taremi as their focal point, supported by Mohammad Mohebi and Mehdi Ghayedi in the forward areas.
Egypt will miss Hossam Abdelmaguid and Hamdy Fathy through injury. Iran have no reported injuries in the squad, though Sardar Azmoun has been left out.
And with Egypt already on top after those opening results, they should have the edge in Seattle. Iran can't afford to sit back if they want to advance.
Head-to-head records from this season offer nothing recent to go on, so form and current standings will shape the contest more than past meetings.
HOME_PLAYER: Mohamed Salah HOME_LOOK: [not found in search] AWAY_PLAYER: Mehdi Taremi AWAY_LOOK: [not found in search]Recommended Bets
Egypt -0.5 @1.85 — Egypt lead the group on four points and have the stronger recent results to back a win here.
Under 2.5 goals @1.95 — Both sides have kept things tight in their World Cup matches so far, with multiple draws and low-scoring outcomes.
Mehdi Taremi anytime goalscorer @2.40 — Taremi is Iran's main attacking outlet and has been central to their forward play in the group stage.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
