Egypt caught New Zealand offside three times in their second group match
Iran average two offsides per game across their last 12 competitive matches
Recommended Bet: Over 1.5 Iran offsides
With top spot in Group G still up for grabs, it is all to play for when Egypt and Iran meet in Seattle on Friday.
The Pharaohs are virtually through already after taking four points from their opening fixtures — a 1-1 draw with Belgium and a 3-1 win over New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Iran sit on two points and could still finish anywhere from first to third depending on results elsewhere.
With Mohamed Salah in sparkling form and Iran buoyed by their 0-0 draw against Belgium on Monday, this clash could produce fireworks.
Hossam Hassan’s team know a draw likely secures top spot unless Belgium record a big win over the New Zealand in their final match.
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Team news
The Egypt head coach is expected to name the same XI for the third time in a row in a 4‑2‑3‑1, with Omar Marmoush leading the line and Salah operating as the creative hub behind him.
Midfielder Hamdy Fathy and defender Hossam Abdelmaguid are listed as doubs, with the latter having replaced right-sided Salah late on against New Zealand.
Emam Ashour operates on the opposite flank to Salah while Al Ahly teammate Trezeguet and Pyramids playmaker Mostafa Ziko are usually tasked with making impacts from the bench.
As for Iran, midfielder Rouzbeh Cheshmi provided a fitness boost when he completed the final training session in Tijuana before the squad travelled to Seattle.
Iran’s football federation said forward Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei were held up by United States officials as the team departed Mexico, delaying the delegation briefly.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei is expected to stick with the 5-4-1 shape designed for containment even though his side must push forward at some stage.
Taremi will likely plough a lone furrow up front with Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Mohhamad Mohebi providing width.
The latest Egypt vs Iran odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Egypt have lost just once in their last six matches.
Only Curacao and Saudi Arabia have faced more shots on target per 90 minutes than Iran at this World Cup.
Egypt are unbeaten in the group and have scored in both matches.
Iran have drawn both games but scored only once.
Team Melli have kept just one clean sheet in their last six competitive fixtures.
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand has saved 13 of the 15 shots he has faced at these finals.
The latest Egypt vs Iran odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
This match hinges on whether Iran can balance defensive stability with the need to score.
Their back‑five setup is designed to frustrate, but it leaves Taremi isolated and risks inviting Salah into dangerous pockets.
Team Melli may try to squeeze the play with a higher defensive line in this clash, which may, in turn, lead to more offsides.
Likewise, Iran have been flagged six times already in their first two games and have averaged two offsides per match across their last dozen competitive fixtures.
Backing them to be caught offside at least twice in a game they are desperate to win appeals at the odds.
Score prediction: Egypt 1‑1 Iran
Back over 1.5 Iran offsides at 10/13 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Egypt vs Iran odds are available on LiveScore Bet
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