Senegal vs Iraq Predictions - Both teams desperate for victory to stay alive in World Cup

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: 1 hour ago

John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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Both teams need a win to stay alive after two defeats.
Senegal have a better goal difference and more attacking threat.
Over 2.5 goals is likely due to both teams' defensive frailties.

Senegal (Getty Images)

Senegal vs Iraq Predictions

Both Senegal and Iraq have lost their opening two games and victory here for either will put them in the window to qualify, however, unlikely. Senegal have the better chance with superior goal difference, and have shown they can score goals, they just leak them, too.

Senegal's two group I matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
Four of Senegal's last five matches in all competitions have produced over 2.5 goals.
Iraq's two Group I matches have produced over 2.5 goals.

Head to Head

This will be the first time Senegal and Iraq meet at international level.

Senegal Form

Senegal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Norway in their previous Group I fixture. Ismaila Sarr struck twice in the second half, but they ultimately failed to contain the Norwegian attack.

That was the second defeat for Senegal in the tournament, having kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 loss to France. The Teranga Lions are not out of the competition yet, but need a win to position themselves as one of the best third-placed teams.

One of the positives for Senegal is that they have shown attacking quality, scoring in both of their matches. However, Pape Thiaw’s team are often open at the back, which has seen those two fixtures produce over 2.5 goals.

Iraq Form

Iraq are also coming off a defeat, having lost 3-0 to France in their previous fixture. They were no match for the French attack and also struggled to create much going forward, finishing without a single attempt on target.

The Lions of Mesopotamia have also lost their two matches in Group I after falling 4-1 to Norway in their opening fixture. Like the Senegalese, Graham Arnold's team are also not out yet and need a win in this one to put themselves in contention for the best third-place slots.

Only a victory will suffice for Iraq, and they are likely to adopt an open style here. They have already shown defensive vulnerability, which has led to their two matches producing over 2.5 goals.

Senegal vs Iraq News and Predicted Line-ups

Senegal (4-2-3-1): Edouard Mendy; Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs; Pape Gueye, Idrissa Gueye; Sadio Mane, Lamine Camara, Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson.

Left-back Jakobs impressed off the bench for Senegal last time out and could earn a start here. Sarr is likely to retain his place in the team following his brace against Norway, while Jackson should lead the line once again.

Iraq (4-1-4-1): Ahmed Basil; Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashem, Merchas Doski; Amir Al Ammari; Ahmed Qasem, Zaid Ismaeel, Zidane Iqbal, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Al Hamadi.

Aymen Hussein went off injured in the first half for Iraq and is likely to miss this clash. Al Hamadi could come in to replace the forward, while Zaid Tahseen is expected to continue at the back.

Verdict

Senegal v Iraq

Senegal and Iraq come into this clash needing a win to stay alive and could be fired up for it. Both teams are likely to adopt an open style here, and over 2.5 goals is the likely outcome.