Facing elimination after two narrow defeats, the Lions of Teranga must rediscover their clinical edge against a struggling Iraq side to keep their slim knockout hopes alive.
Senegal have had an incredibly disappointing start to their World Cup campaign, with there being a real chance that this could be their last game in the tournament for at least four years.
The Lions of Teranga have found themselves on zero points after two points games losing to France and Norway and are at real risk of being knocked out, with a win still potentially seeing the African team going home.
In what was always going to be a tough game against tournament favourites France, it was a bright start by The Lions of Terranga who were the better side in the first half with Nicolas Jackson striking the post but it was some Kylian Mbappe magic that gave Les Blues all three points.
However, Senegal knew that the game against Norway was vital in their endeavours to get out of the group, but things didn't quite go to plan. Defensive mistakes and missed chances see them lose this game 3-2, despite an Ismalia Sarr brace. Senegal created 16 chances against Norway but lost, lacking clinical finishing
Iraq have not had the greatest time however in their first World Cup since 1966, losing both their openers in rather comfortable fashion, with them on a hunt for that allusive World Cup point.
They have so far lost to Norway and France, with it being two very difficult games, conceding seven goals and only have found the net once, through their current top scorer Ayman Hussein.
The big issue that has occurred for Iraq is they made three errors leading to goals at this World Cup, second-most in the tournament and lost striker Aymen Hussein to injury during the France defeat.
Team News
Senegal do have a pretty big issue on their hands, through injury, in the goalkeeping department. Edouard Mendy went off in the Norway game in which seemed like a knee injury, that gave Le Havre goalkeeper Mory Diaw his World Cup debut, and could be his first World Cup start next.
Iliman Ndiaye could also be set for his World Cup start, with having to wait on the bench so far, but Senegal need to win by a good margin to try and qualify so will be looking to all their attacking options.
Iraq also have a major issue in the goalscoring area, with them captain and star man Hussein having to come off only ten minutes into the France game, being replaces by Ipswich Town's Ali Al-Hamadi.
The Lions of the Two Rivers will be hoping and praying that Hussein is fit as he will be vital if Ira have a chance of hurting Senegal.
Key Battles
Merchas Doski vs Ismalia Sarr
Ismaila Sarr became Senegal's joint-top World Cup scorer with three goals in two games, and will be looking to continue against a Doski that has already had to face off against Olise and Odergaard.
Papa Gueye vs Zidane Iqbal
Iqbal had a fine game against France, despite the result and he will know that Iraq's chances will be reliant on him keeping the Senegal midfield occupied for the ninety.
Prediction
Senegal 3-0 Iraq
The Lions of Teranga know that anything but a win, and a comfortable won at that, is the bare minimum. Senegal have a real strong squad and despite them knowing that they have a tough group but the fans will not be happy with what they have saw so far.
I do think they will beat what is a poor Iraq aide, then it us to fait to see how if it's enough to get to the knockouts, with it being guaranteed to be a close one.
