Wales vs England: Tue 29th Nov, 7:00pm
All four teams can still qualify for the round of 16 from Group B.
On paper it was the tightest group, with just 15 places separating all four sides in the FIFA World Rankings, and it has played out that way.
Only an unthinkable four-goal defeat will see England eliminated, while a win, which is priced around 4/9, will see Gareth Southgate’s men top the group.
Wales disappointed last time out, losing 2-0 to Iran. Late goals sank Cmyru after goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey had been sent off on 86 minutes.
Wales managed to dominate possession in the game, but Iran were deserving of their win, managing 21 shots on goal.
Rob Page’s men were run ragged by a neat Iran side, who had been demolished by England.
After a second half full of optimism against USA, Wales struggled to get to grips with Carlos Queiroz’s men and rarely threatened despite Keiffer Moore starting in attack.
It will take a monumental effort for Wales to roll over an England side, who were pragmatic in the goalless draw with USA.
Southgate may decide to shuffle some of his attacking players at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday with the likes of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish hoping to start.
A few changes may well be the tonic that England need after coming off second best in the draw with the USA.
The stats look rather kind for England from their last game. Southgate’s men had more possession and shots on target, but they were threatened on a number of occasions by a USA team who will have grown in confidence.
England are fancied to top the group with a win and move on to their knockout game on Sunday night.
Iran vs USA: Tues 29th Nov, 7:00pm
The bookmakers have USA firm favourites to defeat Iran on Tuesday.
And a repeat showing from their draw with England will surely be enough to edge out Queiroz’s men.
Gregg Berhalter’s side also know exactly what they have to do to progress. They need a win at Al Thumama Stadium, while Iran are certain to go through if they can draw and Wales do not win.
There will surely be no confusion in Berhalter’s approach. A win will put them into the knockout stage and that will match their 2010 and 2014 efforts in the round of 16.
USA set out with a high and aggressive press against England, which resulted in Southgate’s men struggling to play through them.
It’s that performance which has influenced the bookies to install the USA as odds on. But their second-half showing against Wales was a million miles off their front-foot press against England.
With a ticket for the last 16 up for grabs, it will be a tense affair and goals may be hard to come by.
