Uzbekistan vs Iran - Friendlies

The history between Uzbekistan and Iran lends this Friendlies fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 24, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. He experienced victory in his only Old Firm appearance as a Gers player, but Sunday will be his first taste of the fixture in the dugout.

There is little to choose between Uzbekistan and Iran on paper, and the Friendlies encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. During his 22 matches in charge, Oxford actually ranked as high as 14th in the table.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Uzbekistan favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Iran are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Everton are aware of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but there has been no formal approach or contact with them, and they have no appetite to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years on his deal.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman M. Sabitzer — 3 goals this term — will be one to watch. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Leny Yoro believes Manchester United can win the Premier League(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images) Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has offered Juventus an 'initial yes', per Gazzetta dello Sport.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With positions in the Friendlies table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.