It is a must-win clash in Group I of the FIFA World Cup as Senegal and Iraq meet in their final fixture at Toronto Stadium.
Both teams need a win to stay alive in the competition and are likely to adopt an open style, which should produce goals.
Key Stats
- Senegal's two group I matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Four of Senegal's last five matches in all competitions have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Iraq's two Group I matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
First Ever Meeting
This is the first-ever meeting between Senegal and Iraq at this level.
Senegal Need a Spark
Senegal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Norway in their previous Group I fixture. Ismaila Sarr struck twice in the second half, but they ultimately failed to contain the Norwegian attack.
That was the second defeat for Senegal in the tournament, having kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 loss to France. The Teranga Lions are not out of the competition yet, but need a win to position themselves as one of the best third-placed teams.
One of the positives for Senegal is that they have shown attacking quality, scoring in both of their matches. However, Pape Thiaw’s team are often open at the back, which has seen those two fixtures produce over 2.5 goals.
Slim Chance for Iraq
Iraq are also coming off a defeat, having lost 3-0 to France in their previous fixture. They were no match for the French attack and also struggled to create much going forward, finishing without a single attempt on target.
The Lions of Mesopotamia have also lost their two matches in Group I after falling 4-1 to Norway in their opening fixture. Like the Senegalese, Graham Arnold's team are also not out yet and need a win in this one to put themselves in contention for the best third-place slots.
Only a victory will suffice for Iraq, and they are likely to adopt an open style here. They have already shown defensive vulnerability, which has led to their two matches producing over 2.5 goals.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Senegal (4-2-3-1): Edouard Mendy; Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs; Pape Gueye, Idrissa Gueye; Sadio Mane, Lamine Camara, Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson.
Left-back Jakobs impressed off the bench for Senegal last time out and could earn a start here. Sarr is likely to retain his place in the team following his brace against Norway, while Jackson should lead the line once again.
Iraq (4-1-4-1): Ahmed Basil; Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashem, Merchas Doski; Amir Al Ammari; Ahmed Qasem, Zaid Ismaeel, Zidane Iqbal, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Al Hamadi.
Aymen Hussein went off injured in the first half for Iraq and is likely to miss this clash. Al Hamadi could come in to replace the forward, while Zaid Tahseen is expected to continue at the back.