- Iran have won six of their last 10 matches in all competitions and are on a three-game winning streak.
- New Zealand have lost their last two games and failed to score in their most recent away games.
- New Zealand have won only one of their last 10 (D1, L8) and lost six of their last seven away (D1).
Iran should see off Kiwis with ease
Iran are the big favourites for a Group G win and with good reason when they take on New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on Tuesday.
Iran have looked sharp in preparation for the biggest tournament in world football and should ease past the Kiwis, who have had a shaky build-up to their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup since 2010.
Team Melli have won their last three games, which includes a 5-0 thrashing of Costa Rica, a 3-1 win over Gambia and a 2-0 win against Mali. Amir Ghalenoei has instilled a disciplined, low-block structure onto his team that can frustrate opponents and create chances in transition and from set-pieces.
Chris Wood will again be New Zealand's focal point as they try to get their tournament off to a positive start.
They are built around possession but know how to play direct to their six-foot-four target man who is also a decent ball-player and hold-up man. Liberato Cacace and Sarpreet Singh can provide width and creativity from midfield, but the latter in particular has failed to get many touches in their recent games.
New Zealand's most recent win was a 4-1 victory over Chile, but that was followed up by two defeats - 4-0 against Haiti and 1-0 to England - during their final two away games.
Darren Bazeley has created a flexible tactical identity for the Kiwis, but their recent lack of results indicates he has his work cut out for them against a Iran team who are a veteran unit that know each other well.
Mehdi Taremi's two goals in five games has kick-started Iran's scoring, but they will also get chances to capitalise on mistakes with the likes of Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Jahanbakhsh in support.
Backing Iran to win is the way to go at 1.93, while the Asian nation's solid defence should hold New Zealand to a low-scoring match so take under 2.5 goals at 1.65 and both teams not to score at 1.74.
