- Head-to-head: Iraq have won 10, drawn seven and lost only one of the previous 18 head-to-head meetings in all current competitions, according to 11v11.
- Iraq form: Iraq's senior-international record is one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five.
- Lebanon form: Lebanon's senior-international record is two wins and three defeats in their last five.
Lions of Mesopotamia have long history with Cedars
Lebanon will not be a walkover for the Lions of Mesopotamia on Friday despite the hosts' dominant record in this matchup. Iraq have won ten, drawn seven and lost only once against The Cedars in 18 previous meetings listed in 11v11's database.
The most recent two competitive clashes were drawn in 2022 World Cup qualifying while three of the last five have been stalemates overall, so a tough game looks likely again this Friday. Iraq are rightful favorites for the game at 1.35 with Lebanon listed at 8.35 and the draw at 4.04.
The two nations are 49 places apart in the latest FIFA world rankings, but The Cedars' results are skewed in their latest five.
Iraq look to get a grip on defence
Tactical approach
Nine of the eleven goals that Lebanon have scored in their previous five came in those two games, so it is not likely to be a free-scoring game against an Iraq side that are usually very compact and well-organised. Graham Arnold has brought structure and pragmatism to these Lions of Mesopotamia that is paying off with results when the game does open up after they use their compact block to soak up pressure.
- Iraq have beaten Kuwait 3-2 with a late goal by Karrar Nabil and drawn 1-1 with Oman in the Gulf Cup which was a decent showing from their side.
- But leaks in defense remain the team's biggest problem as they have conceded in all of their previous five senior internationals across all competitions.
- Aymen Hussein leads the attack and is the main goal threat with Ali Al-Hamadi unavailable, but the midfield thrust provided by Zidane Iqbal and the extra sharpness of Saif Rasheed, who scored against Kuwait, should also be factored into this game.
Lebanon can score with Iraq prone to leaks
Madjid Bougherra has put an emphasis on collective defensive solidity in Lebanon this season and will ensure his side are well compact in Basra. They will not press forward too much, but Husseyn Chakroun, who bagged a first-half hat-trick against the Maldives, is their sharpest forward.
Ali Kassas also chipped in with a double late in that win and should make up a potent partnership with Chakroun again. Lebanon can get on the scoresheet against an Iraq defence that has conceded 13 goals and scored 4 at the other end in their latest five.
Under 2.5 goals at 1.59 looks the best bet in this encounter as neither side are consistent enough to be confident about a low-scoring Iraq win, although it appears the most likely outcome.
