Tasnim - Group A leader Iran will host third-placed Uzbekistan at Azadi Stadium on Monday knowing a win will see the team advances to a second successive FIFA World Cup.

Unbeaten in seven qualifying games, Iran have been in dominant form in Group A, having yet to concede a goal on the Road to Russia and boasting an attacking line-up featuring the likes of Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi.

The White Wolves of Uzbekistan are in familiar territory in third place in the standings, but a shock away victory would see the team remains in firm contention for a top-two finish with two games remaining.

Carlos Queiroz’s team is ready for the match with a 2-0 friendly win over Montenegro thanks to a brace from Sardar Azmoun.

Uzbekistan also defeated Thailand 2-0 in a friendly in Tashkent last week with goals from Temurkhodja Abduhalikov and Sardor Rashidov, who will both hope to help their team become the first side to unlock the Iranian defence.