World Cup Preview: Senegal VS Iraq - prediction, team news, lineups

[(Senegal) Strength]:
1. Senegal currently rank 3rd in the group with 0 points, still having a chance to compete for a better third-place spot, so their fighting spirit is strong.
2. Ismaila Sarr scored both of Senegal's goals in the last match with a brace, showing excellent personal form. He is expected to continue his good performance in this match.
3. Although Senegal failed to earn any points in the first two group matches, they scored in both games, and their offensive performance is commendable.
 

[(Senegal) Neutral]:
1. Senegal ended 4 of their last 5 matches with UNDERs in O/U, which is worth noting.
 

[(Senegal) Weakness]:
1. Edouard Mendy, as the team's starting goalkeeper, was injured in the last match. Even if he can play in this match, his form may be affected.
2. Senegal lost 3-2 to Norway in their second group match, suffering two consecutive defeats. They still have no points, which has dealt a significant blow to team morale.
3. In the first two matches, Senegal's average possession rate was only 44%, indicating poor ground passing quality.
4. In the first two group matches, Senegal experienced a sharp decline in physical condition after the 75th minute of the second half, causing their success rate in duels to plummet to 39% in the final 15 minutes.
5. Senegal lost their last 4 consecutive matches in AH, indicating a recent poor trend.
 

[(Iraq) Strength]:
1. Iraq also have 0 points, and due to a significant goal difference deficit, they have essentially lost the possibility of advancing. However, returning to the World Cup after 40 years, they will take every match seriously, and their fighting spirit should not be underestimated.
2. Aymen Hussein scored Iraq's only goal in the current World Cup during the first match against Norway.
3. Against France, although Iraq had only 45% possession, they used a deep defensive block and compact defense to limit the opponent to just 5 shots on target, showing strong defensive discipline.
 

[(Iraq) Weakness]:
1. In the second group match, Iraq faced a strong France team and suffered a 3-0 defeat, performing very poorly.
2. In the first two group matches, Iraq conceded a total of 7 goals, making them one of the teams with the third-highest number of goals conceded in the World Cup.
3. In the first two group matches, Iraq averaged only 44.5% possession, 4.5 shots per game, and only 0.5 shots on target, almost lacking offensive capability.
4. In the first two matches, Iraq had no midfield defensive coverage, leaving large gaps behind when Merchas Doski pushed forward, which opponents exploited.
5. Iraq lost their last 3 consecutive matches, in AH showing a clear decline in recent form.
 

[Tips]:
Both teams currently have 0 points, but Senegal still have a chance to advance by being one of the best third-placed teams.

This match is expected to be very aggressive in attack.

Iraq, returning to the World Cup after 40 years, will not easily give up.

However, Iraq's overall squad strength is clearly at a disadvantage, and the team's offense and defense are severely imbalanced.

Facing Senegal's strong desire to score, they can hardly resist.

Thus, Senegal are favored to win.
 

[Recommended]:
Senegal (-1.5/2)