Egypt v Iran: Predicted line-ups, preview and where to watch

Egypt stand on the brink of qualification for the World Cup’s round of 32 following their win over New Zealand last time out.

A win for Iran in Seattle tomorrow could see them join the Pharaohs in the knockout stage in what would be a major surprise in a group that also contains European heavyweights Belgium.

The target for Egypt is a point that will see them top the group and enable them to remain in Seattle for potentially their next two outings.

That would be a huge boost for boss Hossam Hassan who described the atmosphere in nearby Vancouver for the win against the All Whites as being “like in the Cairo Stadium”.

Iran have had to overcome several hurdles to get this far and the squad deserve enormous credit for not allowing the ongoing war with co-hosts the USA, and the problems that associated with that, to distract them from the task in hand.

Amir Ghalenoei’s side have faced logistical challenges throughout the tournament with their last two games both being staged in Los Angeles.

Iran moved their training base from the US to Mexico, though a request to move their games south of the border was dismissed.

In addition to having to travel internationally for each of their games, Iran were required by US authorities to enter the country within 24 hours of their first two matches and depart on the same day.

Iran lodged a complaint with FIFA over the travel restrictions, with Ghalenoei describing his side as the “most oppressed” team at the World Cup.

The US Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday that Iran would be allowed to travel to Seattle 48 hours ahead of their Group G clash in the Pacific Northwest.

However, those travel plans have seemingly been disrupted, with the Iranian Football Federation releasing a statement titled ‘Harassment of Taremi and Alhoei at the Airport Again; Iran National Team Delayed’.

It read: “While Iran’s national team is travelling to the United States for the third time, the team has once again been delayed at the airport due to issues caused by US authorities. 

“The members of Iran’s national football team arrived at the airport earlier today for their trip to face Egypt, but as on previous occasions, interference by the host nation, involving Saeed Alhoei and Mehdi Taremi has caused the team to be delayed at the airport. 

“The rest of the squad is currently waiting for their coach and team-mate to join them before departing for Seattle for the match against Egypt.”

Team news for Egypt v Iran

Hassan is expected to keep changes to a minimum but may have to make two alterations with Hamdy Fathy and Hossam Abdelmaguid both sustaining injuries against New Zealand.

Iran have no fresh concerns although Roozbeh Cheshmi is still sidelined.

Predicted line-ups for Egypt v Iran

Egypt: Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Lasheen; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush

Iran: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Hajsafi, Kanaani; Mohebi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Jahanbakhsh; Taremi

Where to watch Egypt v Iran: TV and online streams

Egypt versus Iran kicks off at 4am on Saturday morning UK time. You can watch it on BBC 2 and stream via the BBC iPlayer.

Stats for Egypt v Iran

• Egypt have not progressed beyond the group stage of a World Cup since 1990
• Iran are unbeaten in their last five games
• Egypt have lost one of their last six games

Prediction for Egypt v Iran