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One nation feeling good about their chances to make it to the knockout stage takes on a desperate side on Friday when Gareth Bale leads Wales versus Porto forward Mehdi Taremi and Iran. The Welsh managed a draw versus the U.S. in their first WC match. Iran fell by 4 goals against England in their first group stage game. Will Wales continue their excellent World Cup play? Will Iran bounce back with a top effort? Check out FIFA World Cup Odds, analysis, and a free pick for Wales versus Iran.

2022 FIFA World Cup Betting Analysis: Wales vs Iran Group B Matchup

Wales versus Iran Betting Lines and Match Info

When: Friday, Nov. 25 at 5:00 am ET

Where: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar

TV/Streaming: FS1

Handicap Odds: Iran +0.5 -131 / Wales -0.5 +103

Moneyline Odds: Iran +290 / Wales +108 / Draw +220

Total Odds: O 2.5 +144 / U 2.5 -185

Why Iran is a good play versus Wales

Sure, England blasted Iran. But England is a favorite to win the World Cup. The English boast strikers, a terrific defense, and a great manager and head coach in Gareth Southgate.

The Welsh have none of those elements, which means Iran should produce a much better performance against Wales than the Iranians did versus the English. Also, even though England won comfortably, Mehdi Taremi scored two goals.

Iran Last 5

L – 6-2 vs. England
W – 1-0 vs. Nicaragua
D – 1-1 vs. Senegal
W – 1-0 vs. Uruguay
L – 1-2 vs. Algeria

Iran Predicted Starting Lineup

H. Hosseini
Kanani
M. Hosseini
Pouraliganji
Torabi
Moharrami
Karimi
Ezatolahi
Azmoun
Hajsafi
Gholizadeh
Taremi

Why Wales is a good play versus Iran

The United States dominated Wales in the first half. But Wales dominated the second half.

The underdog got the equalizer on a Gareth Bale penalty kick. Wales won’t mess around in this match. They know the best way to ensure a Round of 16 berth is to dominate Iran because the Welsh know how difficult it will be to take down England.

Expect Wales to start the match aggressively and to stay aggressive throughout. Beating Iran by multiple goals would put pressure on the U.S. in their game versus England later on Friday.

Wales Last 5

D – 1-1 vs. United States
L – 0-1 vs. Poland
L – 2-1 vs. Belgium
L – 3-2 vs. Netherlands
D – 1-1 vs. Belgium

Wales Predicted Starting Lineup

Hennessey
Rodon
Davies Mepham
Thomas
Ramsey
Morrell
Johnson
Roberts
Moore
Bale

Final Betting Analysis: Wales vs Iran

In Wales’ draw against the United States, it was a tale of two different teams. The first half Welsh side did nothing but in the second half Wales got the equalizer and outplayed the U.S.

Iran had no chance versus the soccer power that is England. The positive is that Taremi is playing great, which is the reason Iran gets the nod.

You don’t qualify for the World Cup unless you boast at least a few good players. In this case, Iran’s top player, striker Mehdi Taremi, will be the best offensive weapon on the pitch.

Taremi has 6 goals and 5 assists in 12 starts for Porto, one of the Portueguese Liga’s top clubs. Gareth Bale is a solid player, but he won’t keep up with Taremi.

Unless Wales comes up with a plan to stop Iran’s best player, the Iranians should pull off the regulation upset victory. If you don’t want to back Iran, consider playing the draw.

World Cup Pick: Iran +290

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