Goalkeepers:
First up, goalkeepers. One of the three shot-stoppers expected to board then plane to Brazil is newly announced Grasshoppers' goalkeeper, Daniel Davari. Davari was powerless to preventing his side falling out of Germany's top flight - after Braunschweig only lasted a single year in the Bundesliga after a twenty-eight year absence - although, Davari was one of the stand-out performers and few positives in a bleak campaign for Braunschweig. Davari's club future has recently been resolved having agreed a deal to sign for Swiss side Grasshoppers.
Meanwhile, Davari's three caps for the national side does not guarantee a starting berth, keeping the chances of Iran's other goalkeepers strong. One of the men hoping he can represent his country is Rahman Ahmadi. Ten-timed capped Ahmadi has been the most commonly picked goalkeeper for Iran in recent times. However, Ahmadi has faced stiff competition for his place, leaving no room for complacency. Ahmadi is expected to start but cannot be confirmed by manager Carlos Queiroz, as he faces stiff competiton. Lastly, shot-stopper Alireza Haghihgi will be gunning for some minutes in Brazil. Haghighi has failed to live up to the promise that Rubin Kazan saw in his two years ago, leading to various loan spells, having last played for Portugese second-division side, Sporting Covilha. At the age of twenty-six, there is still time for Covilha to reach his potential. Promise aside, the recent stagnation may see Haghihli summoned to the reserves, having to observe from the sidelines.
Defenders:
The defenders that Queiroz opts to take and play in Brazil will be required to shut out the stern opposition they will be facing. Right-back Ppejman Montazeri is expected to be Queiroz favoured choice, having become a regular under the Portugese coach in Iran's recent fixtures. Montazeri has a respectable nineteen caps under his belt so far in his international career and will certainly be looking to make that a minimum on twenty-two this summer. At the age of thirty, it could we be Montazeri's last bite of the cherry on the biggest stage of them all. Montazeri will certainly be hoping he can secure a starting berth, with Iran's recent defensive stats in his favour - as Montazeri was part of Iran's resilient back-four that did not concede a single goal in their last three World Cup qualifiers, which were all victories. However, Montazeri cannot afford complaceny. Also gunning for a chance to start in Brazil is Vancouver Whitecaps fullback, Steven Beitashour. Beitashour himself was born in California, but is eligible to play for Iran through both parents - leading to him making the decision to play for Iran in 2012. Whilst Montazeri has the upper hand in terms of experience, Beitashour is expected to keep Montazeri on his toes and will be fighting for a first team place - some friendly competition that could potentially cause Queiroz and his backroom staff a selection headache.
At the heart of defence, veteran Jalal Hosseini is expected to start alongside Amir Sagedhi. Thirty-two year old Hosseini has earned eighty-four caps for his country; invaluable experience for Queiroz' side, with the majority of his players lacking experience internationally. Hosseini plys his trade for Iran's largest club side and Tehran giants, Persepolis. Hosseini too plays a vital role in a resilient defence that Queiroz is tries to embroid into his side. Hosseini is an imposing figure at the heart of Iran's defence, although the imbalance between his strength and pace is evident. A potentially weak link in that aspect, but it is likely to take some doing to beat him aerially or on strength. Hosseini also is a threat in the opposition box from set-pieces, meaning he will need to be closely marshalled to prevent him from causing damage at the other end of the pitch. His expected partner, Amir Sagedhi, will be expected to add further stability at the back alongside the experienced Hosseini. Sagedhi played in the final two qualifiers in which Iran won both without conceding, giving Queiroz and the rest of Iran real faith that the expected partnership could well be a vital factor in Iran's progression this summer. Sagedhi was brought back into the Iranian set-up after a six year exile; giving further example of the faith that his manager has in him to deliver.
For left-back, Queiroz seemingly has two options available to him; Ehsan Hajsafi and Hashem Beikzadeh. Hajsafi is the more experienced of the two left-backs and will be an expected starter for Iran in Brazil. Hajsafi has fifty-six caps at the age of twenty-four, an excellent achievement for someone his age, yet one that he will be looking to build on by representing his nation at the World Cup. Hajsafi provides a threat down the flanks - known for a dangerous left foot, Hajsafi has the ability to whip in a dangerous cross from outwide in-play or from a set-piece, as well as packing a punch within his shot. Hajsafi is also known for being a long throw specialist, providing Queiroz with a 'Plan B' if needed. Hajsafi could potentially play a huge role for Iran this summer, mostly due to his experience on the international stage, which includes him being a previous captain of the side. Hashem Beikzadeh is expected to play second fiddle to Hajsafi; providing further competition for place within the Iranian ranks. Beikzadeh's versatility works very well within his favour, as he can play central defence or even midfield, if required. Beikzadeh only has sixteen caps to his name currently, but he has his name within the Iranian national team's history books - as he struck the winner against Iraq in the 2007 West Asian Championships.
Midfielders:
First up in midfield, Iran's captain: Javad Nekounam. At thirty-three years old, the World Cup in Brazil will be his second and arguably last appearance. Nnekounman has bags of experience that Queiroz hopes will rub off on the rest of the squad, having played well over one-hundred and thirty games for his country. Nekounam may be a familiar name to fans and players, as he was the first Iranian player to play in La Liga when he joined Osasuna in 2006. Nekounam spent six years at Osasuna and went on to make well over a hundred appearances for the Spanish side. The deep-lying playmaker now plys his trade for Al-Kuwait but will certainly be called upon for his side in Brazil, as he is responsible for causing damage to Iran's opponents that he is certainly capable of. Queiroz is expected to select long-time partner of Nekounam's in the national team, Andranik Teymourian. Teymourian, alongside Nekounam, brings a wealth of much-needed experience to the Iranian national team - having played a part in the 2006 World Cup, as well as the 2007 and 2011 Asian Cups. Teymourian is a naturally reserved player who will be called upon to break down the opposition's attacks, allowing Nekounam the freedom to pull the strings from deep. Teymouarin may be a player familiar to some English fans, having brief stints at Barnsley, Bolton and Fulham.
Ashkan Dejagah is arguably the biggest name in the current Iranian squad and the most familiar face. The former Wolfsburg and current Fulham winger has the hopes of an entire nation hinging on him more than any other member of the team. Dejagah grew up in Germany and played at various youth levels, but never made an appearance for the first-team. Instead, Dejagah went back to his roots and opted to play internationally for Iran. Querioz gave Dejagah his first of his twelve caps back in 2012 in a World Cup decision, which proved to be a blinder played by the Portuguese manager. Dejagah netted a brace and gave Iran real hope that he his influence on the side can continue, if not rub off onto team mates. On the opposite flank is UD Las Palmas' wide man, Masoud Shojaei. Shojaei has been playing in Spain since 2008 and has been a consistent regular for Iran - earning forty-nine caps in the process. Another member of an experienced midfield who has World Cup experience previously, Shojaei will be required to play a large role in Iran's attack and ultimately a part of determining their progression. The last member of the three expected to start behind the striker is Ali Reza Jahanbakhsh. Jahanbakhsh is highly regarded among Iranian supports after a mere four caps. However, his impressive displays in those game has done enough for his own sake, as the majority of Iranian fans want to see him starting in Brazil. Previously at Iranian club Damash, Jahanbakhsh was quickly picked up by Eredivisie side NEC. In a league known for blossoming young talents, Jahanbakhsh could well be a player to keep an eye out for in the World Cup, as well as for the future.
Queiroz will have his fingers crossed that none of his key midfielders mentioned suffer injuries leading up to the tournament. However, it cannot be ruled out. If worst comes to worst then Queiroz has the numbers in his squad to make up for potential absences, as well as change the game. The first back-up option available for Queiroz' side is Bakhtiyar Rahmani; who's recently new to the squad and risen up the ranks. Ghasem Haddadifar will also be playing second-fiddle to the regular central midfielders, mostly down to a long-term absence from international football making it a harder battle for him to earn a start. The experienced Mojtaba Jabbari and young prospect Yaghoub Karimi are also likely to feature at some stage, but are predominantly squad players to make up the numbers.
Forwards:
Charlton's Reza Ghoochannejhad is expected to feature heavily for Iran during Brazil. Whilst Ghoochannejhad has taken time to adjust to life in English football, his introduction to the Iranian national team was the complete opposite. An explosive start saw the striker manage nine goals in just eleven games. The most important goals was the final goal scored by Iran in the qualifying stages as Ghoochannejhad struck the winner against South Korea to ensure Iran would qualify for the World Cup. A momumental achievement for the inexperienced twenty-five year old who has rightly so become a fans favourite - Ghoochannejhad is the expected and preferred choice to lead Iran from the front.
Mohammad Khalatbari provides another option for Queiroz if needed. Thirty year-old Khalatbari has experience on the international stage with fifty-eight caps, but has struggled for game time under Portuguese coach. Despite falling out of favour Khalatbari will still play a big role for Iran this summer. Whether a late goal or a fresh set of legs are needed in Iran's attack, Khalatbari could prove to be a game changer for his country if given the chance. Another striker hoping he will have the honour of representing his country in Brazil is Karim Ansarfarid. Ansarfarid burst onto the scene with a winning goal against Iceland in a friendly. Previously, Ansarfarid has been compared to Iran's greast ever player - Ali Daei, the nation's record goalscorer. After a blistering start to his career, he has now earned thirty-nine caps on duty for his country, yet his international career seems to have taken a standstill under Queiroz. A potential move to Europe has also failed to come off yet, meaning Ansarfarid will be looking to get some minutes on the pitch to 'sell himself' this summer.
The last forward is Rubin Kazan hotshot Sardar Azmoun. Azmoun recently made his debut for the Iranian national team is highly regarded by Iranian, as well as various scouts across the footballing network. Azmoun has been linked with a transfer with AC Milan, Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks after impressing when given the chance for Rubin Kazan. Despite links abroad, Azmoun will be looking to secure a starting berth, gain some performance and hopefully earn a reward through some impressive performances. Azmoun has been dubbed the 'Iranian Messi', a tag he was quick to dismiss as it puts him under unfair pressure.
Group:
Iran arguably have the weakest squad in their group on paper. The attacking depth of Argentina would be expected to inflict high amounts of damage to an experienced and much weaker Iran side, who will almost certainly struggle to contain the likes of'; Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain. Argentina are groups favouriters and it seems unlikely Iran can muster any form of challenge to their personal aspirations. Nigeria and Bosnia appear to have stronger all round squads, too. Both sides are better equiped in most positions across the park in terms of quality, in contrast to Iran. However, an Iran victory could throw a few different possibilities into the mix and create a very exciting end to Group F.
Prediction: Iran to be knocked out prematurely at the group stage.