Iraq will host Lebanon at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday in the latest World Cup 2022 qualifying game, with both teams looking to win their first match in Group A.
They are currently occupying the two bottom spots with just a point each, but a victory could take either country up to second depending on other results.
Match preview
Iraq failed to win or score in either of their first two World Cup 2022 qualifying matches, which is why they are bottom of Group A at the moment.
The team managed a goalless draw in the opening game against South Korea and they then followed that up with a 3-0 loss against Iran, which was a match that started poorly when they conceded in the second minute.
They have now failed to win in their previous three fixtures, which is something that Dick Advocaat needs to change if they are to qualify for the first time since the 1986 tournament.
The Dutch manager has yet to guide the nation to a victory since taking charge, but he will no doubt see this as a prime opportunity to do just that, especially playing at home.
Three points could see Iraq climb to second in the table depending on other results and the goal difference, showcasing just how tight the standings are at the moment.
Their opponents could also raise to the same level with a victory on Thursday night, with Lebanon also having drawn and lost once in the opening two games.
Just like Iraq, Ivan Hasek's team battled out a goalless first match as they competed against the United Arab Emirates, with neither team being able to break down the other.
After that, they were narrowly defeated by South Korea in a 1-0 loss, with Lebanon having proven themselves to be difficult to score against, which could prove to be vital on Thursday.
However, the nation have now gone four games in a row without a victory, which they will need to alter if they want to start climbing up Group A.
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Team News
Advocaat has only been able to name two starting lineups so far, therefore the experienced manager will still be finding his feet when it comes to his strongest XI.
Offensively, the new Iraq boss will want to see more from his team, with the pressure on Aymen Hussein to deliver a goal on Thursday night as he is expected to lead the line.
However, they will be without Mohanad Ali, who recently suffered a cruciate ligament injury that is set to keep him out of action for at least six months.
Defending has been a strong point for Lebanon as of late and due to that, there might not be too many changes to that side of the team for this game.
However, they have struggled for goals, but were handed a boost as Bassel Jradi was named fit enough to be part of the squad, with the attacking midfielder bringing some added quality to the group.
Iraq possible starting lineup:
Talib; Gubari, Khalaf, Attiya, Ismael; Hadi, Tariq, Al-Ammari, Attwan, Rasan; Hussein
Lebanon possible starting lineup:
Matar; Al Zein, Oumari, Melki, Assi; Melki, Shour; Saad, Jradi, Maatouk; El-Helwe
We say: Iraq 2-1 Lebanon
Both teams want to get their first three points of the qualifying process on Thursday night, and with neither thriving when it comes to goals, there is a lot of work to be done.
However, Iraq do have a slightly stronger squad, therefore they will be considered the favourites heading into this match, and if they are able to perform on the day then they should have enough quality to get the victory.
Top tip
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Iraq win with a probability of 47.13%. A win for Lebanon had a probability of 26.55% and a draw had a probability of 26.3%.
The most likely scoreline for a Iraq win was 1-0 with a probability of 12.14%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 2-1 (9.11%) and 2-0 (8.87%). The likeliest Lebanon win was 0-1 (8.54%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (12.46%). The actual scoreline of 0-0 was predicted with an 8.3% likelihood.
