Belgium vs Iran Prediction: Lukaku’s inclusion should be the difference

There isn't a clear front-runner in Group G at the FIFA World Cup with the two opening games finishing level. Belgium had to rescue a point against Egypt, while Iran had to come from behind twice to share the spoils with New Zealand.

Now, Belgium and Iran collide at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday (12pm local/8pm BST, ITV1). Check out my Belgium vs Iran predictions below, including the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Belgium boss Rudi Garcia is trying to manage Romelu Lukaku's workload following a spell on the sidelines, but the striker instantly improved the Red Devils' threat against Egypt when he came on, so he should be under consideration to start.

He'd likely replace Charles De Ketelaere in this scenario, while Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku are expected to keep their place in the supporting attacking roles.

Aston Villa duo Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans are set to partner each other in midfield.

Ali Alipour may be drafted in to partner Mehde Taremi up front for Iran against Belgium, replacing Shahriar Moghanlou.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh is expected to remain on the bench following an injury issue but he may be in line for a cameo in the second half.

Belgium vs Iran Odds

Belgium are the 2/5 favourites to win this clash and they've won four of their last six games.

The draw is marketed at a tempting 7/2 considering the two sides each took a point from their opening matches.

Iran have won three of their past four fixtures and they're a 7/1 bet to stun the Red Devils.

There were four goals in Team Melli's opener against New Zealand and Over 3.5 Goals can be backed at 2/1 this time around.

Sub Switch - Pre-match Bet Builder and Single bets on qualifying Player selections.

Both Teams To Score - Yes @ 11/10

There's no doubting the quality Belgium have in attacking areas, despite only managing one goal against Egypt. There are question marks over their defence, which can counteract the efforts of their forward players.

Iran came from behind twice to earn a point against New Zealand and I think they can ask questions of Belgium's back line. For that reason, I'm covering Both Teams To Score - Yes, which has been a winner in five of Belgium's past eight fixtures.

It's also been a successful bet in three of Iran's five most recent outings.

Player To Score (Sub Switch) - Romelu Lukaku @ 20/23

Within moments of entering the pitch against Egypt, Romelu Lukaku helped his side find the net, even if it went down as an own goal. Belgium lacked composure and a clinical edge in the final third before he came on, and I don't think Garcia can risk leaving the star striker on the bench for a second consecutive game.

Lukaku has five goals in his previous seven appearances for the Red Devils, and even though he didn't find the net against Egypt, he should take confidence from his contribution towards the equaliser. I fancy him to get on the scoresheet officially this time.