Belgium and Iran are seeking their first win of this year's FIFA World Cup when they meet in their second Group G clash at Los Angeles Stadium.
With neither team securing a victory in their opening fixture, they are likely to be fired up for this one and look set to play out an open contest that should serve up goals.
Key Stats
- Four of Belgium's last eight matches in all competitions have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Belgium are unbeaten in their last 10 matches.
- Four of Iran's last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Iran are unbeaten in their last four matches.
No Previous Meetings
Belgium and Iran have never faced each other at this level.
Belgium Need to Get Going
Belgium come into this clash off the back of a 1-1 draw in their opening Group G clash. They fell behind early in the contest and struck back midway through the second half thanks to Mohamed Hany’s unfortunate own-goal.
That was a disappointing start for Belgium, who are considered favourites to win the group. The good news is that the Red Devils are now unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
However, manager Rudi Garcia will be keen to recapture the performance that saw them claim a 5-0 victory over Tunisia in their final warm-up game.
With Kevin de Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, and Romelu Lukaku, Belgium certainly have the attacking quality and will be keen to show it in this clash. Four of their last eight matches in all competitions have produced over 2.5 goals.
Iran Overcoming the Odds
Iran came into the World Cup in the shadow of a political conflict with the US, which has affected the travel logistics of their campaign. However, they rose above all of that to play out a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening Group G fixture.
Goals from Mohammad Mohebi and Ramin Razaeian earned Iran a draw in the opening fixture, and they will be keen to build on it. That result is also part of a solid run of form, having gone unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions.
Manager Amir Ghalenoel will also be pleased with his team's attacking display in the opening fixture as they created multiple scoring opportunities. The performance is also consistent with their recent showings, as four of Team Melli’s last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Belgium (4-3-2-1): Thibaut Courtois; Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele; Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans; Leandro Trossard, Kevin de Bruyne, Jeremy Doku; Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku looked lively off the bench in Belgium's opening fixture and could be given the nod in attack ahead of Charles de Ketelaere. De Bruyne should retain his position in midfield while Ngoy and Mechele are expected to continue their central defensive partnership.
Iran (4-4-2): Alireza Beiranvand; Ramin Razaeian, Shojae Khalizadeh, Ali Nemati, Nilad Mohammadi; Mohammad Mohebi, Saman Ghoddos, Saed Ezatolahi, Aria Yousefi, Shariyah Moghanlou, Mehdi Taremi.
Iran have no injuries and suspensions heading into this clash and are likely to retain much of the team that started the opening fixture. Moghanlou and Taremi should continue in attack, while Razaeian is also expected to retain his spot after scoring the equaliser last time out.