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November 13 2024, 15:04 · Alex Sarwar
Updated: November 13 2024, 15:11

Korea DPR vs IR Iran Preview: Team News & Prediction

Korea DPR vs IR Iran Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Group A leaders IR Iran aim to take a step closer towards securing World Cup qualification by gaining three points here against Korea DPR.

Kick-off date/time: Thursday November 14th 2024: UK – 12:00pm / US ET – 8:00am / US PT – 5:00am

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – Bet365 & FIFA+ / US – FIFA+

Korea DPR Preview: Bottom on goal difference and World Cup hopes hanging by a thread

It’s not looking great for Korea DPR right now when it comes to potentially finishing in the top two of Group A with eight points now separating them from second-placed Uzbekistan, but third or fourth-place is still within their grasp, provided they can put that all-important first win on the board sooner rather than later. Of the eight nations competing in Group A, Korea DPR are the only ones yet to taste victory in this third round.

IR Iran Preview: Six-point gap between them and third-place

With a full six points separating Group A table toppers IR Iran from third-placed United Arab Emirates with four rounds of fixtures played, the former are in an excellent position to kick on and secure their 2026 World Cup place, with only a top two finish needed. IR Iran are one of just two teams yet to be beaten in Group A and have conceded just one goal across their four matches so far, winning three.

Korea DPR Team News: Two up top expected from Korea DPR with three points desperately needed

PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Kang; Choe, Kuk CJ, Y. Kim, S. Kim; Chung-song, Kuk CK, K. Kim, Il-song; Kuk-jin Kim, Jo-guk Ri

UNAVAILABLE: 

QUESTIONABLE: 

IR Iran Team News: Ghayedi may be preferred over Jahanbakhsh, whilst Mohebi’s brace vs Qatar should ensure he starts again

PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Beiranvand; Mohammadi, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Noorafkan; Karimi, Ezatolahi; Mohebi, Azmoun, Ghayedi; Taremi

UNAVAILABLE: 

QUESTIONABLE: 

Key Stats

  • IR Iran have won 13 and drawn four of the previous 17 international matches between these two teams.
  • Korea DPR are without a win in their last four World Cup qualifying matches (D2 L2).
  • IR Iran are unbeaten in their last 11 World Cup qualifying matches (W8 D3).
  • IR Iran have lost only one of their last 24 World Cup qualifying matches (W19 D4).
  • IR Iran have lost only one of their last 27 international matches (W21 D5).

Korea DPR vs IR Iran Prediction

IR Iran unsurprisingly come into this game as overwhelming favourites and it could prove to be a long 90 minutes for Korea DPR against such formidable opposition. The formidable Iranian backline is expected to keep the Korea DPR attacking in check, whilst they boast more than enough quality at the other end to score at least once. Therefore, the smart move would be backing IR Iran to win and keep a clean sheet in the process.

Korea DPR vs IR Iran Tip: IR Iran to win to nil.