PFDC - MANAMA, For many years, encounters between Iran and Bahrain have been among the most exciting battles in Asia. Now this almost classic duel will open a new chapter on Wednesday (19:00 Tehran Time), when both sides will kick off their World Cup qualification campaigns in Manama.

It all started in 1994, when Iran and Bahrain struggled to a goalless draw in the Asian Games in Japan. Six years later, Team Melli suffered a surprising 0-1 defeat to the tiny Persian Gulf Island in Syria during Asian Cup qualification. However, Iran eventually qualified for the tournament, following a 3-0 victory over Bahrain in Tehran five days later.

In 2001 then Iran had more problems at home, only achieving a 0-0 draw in a controversial match with two Iranian goals disallowed. The following clash in Manama, which finally eliminated Iran from World Cup qualification, was even more controversial, as Bahrain stretched the borderes of legal action extremely, making the match turn into a real time-wasting orgy. Three suspensions were spoken out during the game, two against Iranian players.

The amount of suspensions was then the same in 2004 Asian Cup in China, when the two sides battled for third place. Iran finally prevailed by 4-2, due to two late Daei-goals, despite Borhani and later Mahdavikia receiving their marching orders.

In order to achieve a better result this time, Bahrain-coach Srecko Juricic will rely on his usual 3-5-2 formation. The Bahrainis will have to do without Asian Cup co-topscorer Hubail, but will feature the talismanic midfield-duo Talal Yousef and Mohamed Salmeen.

On the other side, Branko Ivankovic will again trust his favourite 4-2-3-1 system. While the offensive quartet is no big mystery - the lone striker Ali Daei will be supported by Hamburg-rightwinger Mehdi Mahdavikia, playmaker and Asian Player of the Year 2004 Ali Karimi and Bayern-forward Vahid Hashemian, who will occupy the left wing - the defensive lineup is hard to predict.

In absence of Ali Badavi, Mohammad Nosrati is expected to fill the leftback position. Serie A based Rahman Rezaei and young Jalal Kameli will be the centerhalfs, whereas supertalent Hossein Kaabi will once more appear as rightback. Veteran Yahya Golmohammadi is the most likely candidate for the second defensive midfield position beside Javad Nekounam. But also a more offensive variant with debutant Ferydoon Zandi of Bundesliga outfits Kaiserslautern, who was given the jersey number 7, in this position seems possible. In that case, Golmohammadi might appear in defense instead of Kameli, should Ivankovic decide to add more experience to the defensive line.

Whoever finally gets the Croatian's nod will have to remain cool-headed in a probably heated atmosphere with lots of mind-games played by the hosts. If Team Melli's performance is not affected by side issues, the far better player material should assure Iran three points in Manama.

Bahrain - Iran

World Cup Qualifier, Manama, Wednesday 19:00 Tehran Time

Possible Iranian Lineup:

Mirzapour - Kaabi, Kameli, Rezaei, Nosrati - Nekounam, Golmohammadi/Zandi - Mahdavikia, Karimi, Hashemian - Daei