Egypt are already virtually assured of a place in the last 32 of the World Cup after a win and a draw in Group G but the Pharaohs can rubber-stamp their progress by seeing off Iran in Seattle on Saturday morning.
After a hard-fought opening draw with Belgium, Egypt outclassed New Zealand, winning 3-1, to leave them in a very strong position.
Iran, meanwhile, were mentioned as possible World Cup dark horses this summer after an impressive qualification series, winning 11 of their 17 matches.
However, a disappointing 2-2 draw with the All Whites got them off to a poor start before an improved showing in a goalless draw with Belgium.
Egypt v Iran Tips Summary
Best Bet - Egypt to win @ 7/5
Alternative Bet - Mohamed Salah to score anytime @ 2/1
Bet Builder - Egypt to win, Mohamed Salah 2+ shots on target & Omar Marmoush 2+ shots on target @ 25/1
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Egypt v Iran Prediction
Best Bet - Egypt to win @ 7/5
Considering the contrasting fortunes of these two nations in the tournament so far, the price of 7/5 for an Egypt win looks difficult to resist.
Egypt were the better side against an albeit ageing Belgium team in their opener, going in front through a fine strike from Emam Ashour before the Europeans belatedly improved and were handed an equaliser after the break.
Then, against New Zealand, Egypt were on top and had Premier League superstar Mohamed Salah in great form as they secured an historic first World Cup victory, in the end comfortably recording a 3-1 win after a storming second-half display.
That may have only been Hossam Hassan's side's second win in their last five games but they have a squad with the talent of Salah and Omar Marmoush included so they should have too much for Iran.
Amir Ghalenoei's men may sit five places higher in FIFA's rankings than Egypt in 21st place but they lack elite international experience and that could be telling in this Seattle showdown.
Iran may have impressed in qualifying but taking on, and beating, the likes of Tajikistan, India, Afghanistan and North Korea is not much preparation for a World Cup and the step up in quality that comes with it.
Iran should be competitive in this clash but Egypt will surely have enough knowhow for victory.
Alternative Bet - Mohamed Salah to score anytime @ 2/1
There's also juicy odds for Salah to score for the second game running. The now former Liverpool legend is an appealing 2/1 to grab another international goal for Egypt, adding to his impressive haul of 66 in 116 games for his country.
As proven down the years, Salah is a big-game player and he came to the World Cup party with a typically-assured left-foot finish in the win over New Zealand.
Now 34, Salah will want to prove he still deserves top billing alongside Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane in what has been a tournament, so far, where the world's best-known strikers have shone.
Backing Salah to join them, while inspiring Egypt again, seems logical.
Egypt v Iran Bet Builder
Egypt to win
Mohamed Salah 2+ shots on target
Omar Marmoush 2+ shots on target
Pays 25/1
An Egypt win is expected and building a bet with that outcome as the starting point, before adding in Salah and Marmoush to star in the victory, is advised.
Salah had two shots on target when scoring in the NZ success, when Manchester City ace Marmoush had one, and with this being a game the Pharoahs' will be targeting for a statement win, their two best players could well shine.
Marmoush has a decent record for his country, scoring 11 goals in 52 games, and can feed off Salah's creativity in the final third.
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Key Match Stats
This is only Egypt's fourth appearance at a World Cup
Iran have qualified for the last four editions, but they have been knocked out at the group stage in the last three
Iran are unbeaten in their last five games
Egypt have won just two of their last five matches
Iran are ranked 21st by FIFA, five places higher than Egypt
The two countries have only ever squared off once - in a 1-1 draw in summer 2000
Read more football betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
