Iraq vs United Arab Emirates Preview: The Basra International Stadium in Iraq hosts a crucial World Cup qualification (WCQ) showdown as the Lions of Mesopotamia welcome United Arab Emirates in a tense second leg encounter. After a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi, Iraq holds the advantage of home turf as they seek to secure progression in their quest for World Cup qualification. This match preview analyses the finely balanced contest between these Gulf rivals, offering valuable insights for bettors at Betano.
This Iraq vs United Arab Emirates betting preview finds both teams in solid form heading into this decisive encounter. Iraq are currently on a six-match unbeaten run (W4, D2), including two consecutive victories on home soil, creating an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors. United Arab Emirates, despite their recent 2-1 defeat to Qatar, had previously put together four straight wins and will be confident in their attacking abilities, having scored in each of their last seven outings while averaging 1.7 goals per match during that spell.
Iraq vs United Arab Emirates Match Preview
This Iraq vs United Arab Emirates preview sets the stage for a tactical battle between two well-matched sides. Iraq will rely on their formidable home record and defensive solidity, having kept clean sheets in four of their last six matches. The hosts also carry psychological advantage, having gone unbeaten in their last six meetings against UAE. For Cosmin Olaroiu’s Emirati side, the challenge will be breaking down Iraq’s organized defense while containing the threat of Iraq’s prolific striker Ayman Hussein, who has netted eight goals in this qualifying campaign. The key battle in this Iraq vs United Arab Emirates betting preview will be between Iraq’s resolute defense and UAE’s consistent attacking output.
Team Recent Form
Assessing the recent form is crucial for this Iraq vs United Arab Emirates preview.
Iraq: WWWDD
United Arab Emirates: WWWLD
READMORE: PREVIEW: Austria vs Bosnia & Herzegovina prediction
Key Stats
- Iraq are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions (W4, D2).
- United Arab Emirates have scored in each of their previous seven international outings.
- Iraq have kept four clean sheets in their last six matches.
- The hosts are unbeaten in six consecutive meetings against UAE (W2, D4).
Correct Score Prediction
Our correct score prediction for this Iraq vs United Arab Emirates preview is Iraq 1-0 United Arab Emirates. We anticipate a tightly contested match where Iraq’s home advantage and defensive organization prove decisive. The Lions of Mesopotamia have shown remarkable resilience at home, and their ability to keep clean sheets combined with UAE’s potential travel fatigue suggests a narrow victory for the hosts. Ayman Hussein’s goal-scoring form could be the difference maker in what promises to be a tense, tactical affair. For the best odds on this scoreline, check Betano.
Iraq vs United Arab Emirates H2H
- Iraq are unbeaten in their last six meetings against UAE (W2, D4).
- The first leg ended 1-1 in Abu Dhabi.
- Iraq won the last home encounter between these sides during 2022 World Cup qualifying.
- Four of the last six meetings have ended in draws.
Pre Game Odds
- Iraq to Win: 2.10
- Draw: 3.20
- United Arab Emirates to Win: 3.60
Odds are indicative and subject to change.
READMORE: PREVIEW: Spain vs Turkey prediction
Team News Iraq
Iraq will be without midfielder Aimar Sher due to suspension after picking up his second booking of the qualifying campaign. This could open the door for Zidane Iqbal, the Manchester United academy graduate, to feature in midfield. Star striker Ayman Hussein, who has eight qualifying goals, is expected to start after coming off the bench in the first leg, potentially partnering with Mohanad Ali in attack.
Team News United Arab Emirates
UAE will rely on captain and goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, who produced an outstanding performance with four saves in the first leg. Brazilian-born playmaker Luan Pereira, who scored the equalizer in Abu Dhabi, should retain his place on the right flank, while Caio Lucas could return to spearhead the attack after making an impact as a substitute.
Predicted Line-ups
Iraq: J Hasan; Doski, Tahseen, Hashem, H Ali; Jabbah, Al-Amari, Jasim, Iqbal; M Ali, A Hussein
United Arab Emirates: Eisa; Meloni, Pimenta, Zouhir, R Canedo; L Pereira, Nader, Ramadan, S Alamiri; N Gimenez; Lucas
Iraq vs United Arab Emirates Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Iraq to Win. Iraq’s strong home form and unbeaten record against UAE makes them the favorites.
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Under 2.5 goals. Both teams’ recent defensive records and the high stakes suggest a low-scoring affair.
Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: No. Iraq’s defensive solidity at home and clean sheet record makes this a valuable bet.
For the latest odds and to place your bets on this Iraq vs United Arab Emirates preview, we recommend visiting Betano.
Gamble responsibly
Affiliate Disclosure and Disclaimer: This content contains affiliate links from Betano. We may receive a commission if you click on a link and place a bet, at no extra cost to you. Our previews are based on analysis and statistics, but there are no guarantees in sports betting. Please gamble responsibly and only what you can afford to lose.
Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+
