Iraq Vs Kuwait Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Iraq Vs Kuwait Preview

Tournament: World Cup Qualifiers

Date: Thursday, March 20

Kick-off time: 18:15 PM GMT

Venue: Basra International Stadium

Iraq is set to welcome Kuwait in the World Cup Qualifiers at the Basra International Stadium on Thursday looking to take a closer step towards their World Cup selection.

Iraq has performed very well in the competition thus far securing 11 points from the starting six matches to sit second in the table behind table toppers South Korea. With the first two teams securing a direct spot, they are very close having maintained a three-point gap over Jordan and a six-point gap over fourth place Oman. So far, Jesus Casas's side has secured three wins from six matches, two draws and losing another one having also scored five goals and conceding the fewest in the group with three. However, they will have to improve on scoring more goals as their defense always cannot bail them out.

Kuwait on the other hand haven't enjoyed the best start as they find themselves fifth in the table after match day 5. They have just accumulated four points from their opening six matches courtesy of their four draws. Juan Antonio Pizzi's side is yet to register their first win in the competition and now the competition getting heated up, time is running out for them with only four matches left to play. Even if they don't finish in the top, they have to at least finish third to secure their place in the playoffs.

Iraq Team News

Iraq has almost a fully fit squad to choose from. Jesus Casas will likely field a strong eleven here comprising central defenders Rebin Sulaka, Frans Dhia Putros of FC Seoul and Port FC respectively, and Ali and Doski forming the four-man defense. Ayman Hussein who plays his trade for Al Quwa Al Jawiya will likely be given the responsibility to score the goals for the team. In goal, Ahmed Basil Fadhil is likely to keep his place after earning the coach's trust.

Kuwait Team News

Kuwait might decide to bring experience into the side with the addition of Fawaz Ayedh and Ahmed Al-Dhefri who has been on the scene for a long time. Al-Rashidi who has been a consistent performer for them in goal is going to get the nod here. Frans Putros might think to not tinker much of the side as it might affect the rhythm of their place with the attacking players already developing a relationship with each other.

Iraq Vs Kuwait Predicted Lineups

Iraq predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Basil

Defenders: Ali, Sulaka, Putros, Doski

Midfielders: Iqbal, Al-Taay

Attackers: Jasim, Attwan, Amyn; Hussein

Kuwait predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Al-Rashidi

Defenders: Al-Hajeri, Ebrahim, Al-Harbi, H.Al-Enezi

Midfielders: Hani, S. Al-Enezi

Attackers: M.Al-Enezi, Al-Fnaini, Daham; Nasser

Iraq Vs Kuwait H2H Record

In the last five meetings between these two sides, Kuwait has got the better of them having registered two wins, two draws, and losing another. Their most recent outing ended in a goalless draw.

Key players to watch in Iraq Vs Kuwait

Ayman Hussein (Iraq)

The 28-year-old striker who plays for Al Quwa Al Jawiya club side has been in terrific form for the national team. After making the debut back in 2015 for them, he has appeared 63 times scoring 24 goals in the process. Hussein is a physical striker who is strong in the air and can also bring his teammates into play due to his excellent link-up play. In his last five matches with the national team, Ayman Hussein has caught the eye of everyone having scored three goals in these five matches.

Yousef Nasser (Kuwait)

Yousef Nasser is probably one of the most experienced players on the team who has been with the team in every phase having made an astonishing 76 appearances for them. He also has a prolific record with the team scoring 35 goals for them despite not getting enough chances to score goals. Against Palestine, he was unstoppable as scored two important goals to hand the team a vital away draw which can make the difference in the upcoming matches.

Iraq Vs Kuwait Prediction

Iraq has performed admirably well in the competition thus far as they aim to secure their place in the upcoming World Cup. They have remained consistent throughout the competition apart from the only loss. They have shown they have all the tools to emerge victories here but will have to be wary of the Kuwait threat. Kuwait on the other hand despite failing to register wins has shown they are a tough side to play against after securing four draws in the competition often frustrating opponents with their defensive game.

Predicted Score: Iraq 1-0 Kuwait.

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