The Iranian national football team will face the Uzbekistan national team for the first time since the 2022 World Cup. This match will be held in Fergana, and it seems that the probable lineup of the national team has encountered new changes.
Call-up of 26 players
Amir Ghalenoei, the head coach of the national team, has called up 26 players for this FIFA window. Of these, 18 players are from the domestic league and 8 are legionnaires. The absence of notable players, some due to injury and others for personal reasons, has affected the team's lineup.
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Goalkeeping and Defense
In goal, it is expected that Alireza Beiranvand will be Ghalenoei's first choice. He has been recognized as Iran's first goalkeeper in the 2018, 2022, and 2026 World Cups, and with his performance, he is an unmatched option in this position.
In defense, Shoja Khalilzadeh has been selected as one of the center-backs. His teammate for forming the central defense will be chosen between Ali Naeemati and Aref Aghasi. Naeemati played as a fixed player in the World Cup, and Aghasi has had a good season with Esteghlal.
On the right side of the defense, Ramin Rezaeian and Saleh Hardani are the options available to the coach. Given Rezaeian's stunning performance in the World Cup, he is expected to be Ghalenoei's primary choice. On the left side, Ehsan Hajsafi and Mohammad Nadri are available as options, and considering Hajsafi's experience, he is more likely to be chosen.
Midfield and Attack
In the defensive midfielder position, Saeed Ezatolahi and Mohammad Ghorbani are two well-prepared players who have performed well in the current season in the UAE. These two are likely to be Ghalenoei's first choice. In the attacking midfielder position, Mehdi Taremi will be the star of the national team, having played multiple times in this position for the national team.
Finally, Sardar Azmoun will take the field as the national team's specialized striker in the match against Uzbekistan. Azmoun, who was absent in the World Cup, has now returned to the national team with a different motivation and as a regular player in Shabab Al-Ahli, looking to shine again.
The probable lineup of the Iranian national team will be: Alireza Beiranvand, Ramin Rezaeian (Saleh Hardani), Shoja Khalilzadeh, Ali Naeemati (Aref Aghasi), Ehsan Hajsafi, Saeed Ezatolahi, Mohammad Ghorbani, Arya Yousofi, Mohammad Mehdi Mohbi, Mehdi Taremi, and Sardar Azmoun.
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