Starting Salah places Egypt’s most recognisable attacking threat at the heart of the initial plan. His ability to receive wide, move inside and create from advanced positions can force Iran to protect the flank and narrow their defensive shape.
That responsibility also extends beyond finishing. Salah’s movement can open lanes for supporting midfielders and forwards, particularly if Egypt can move the ball quickly into the final third. With the reported lineup still requiring cautious wording, the clear selection signal is that Egypt want their senior attacking leader involved from kickoff.
Marmoush’s reported place on the bench gives Egypt a different route if the opening approach loses momentum. His pace and direct running can challenge tiring defenders, especially if Iran are forced to defend deeper during the second half.
The decision also gives the coaching staff flexibility. Marmoush could enter to add speed in transition, replace a wide attacker or play closer to the striker. That makes the bench choice more than a simple omission: it preserves an attacking adjustment for the later stages.
Egypt’s priority will be balancing Salah’s influence with enough movement around him. If Iran limit his space, Egypt may need quick combinations and runs from elsewhere rather than relying on one player to unlock the defence.
The key storyline now moves from selection to execution. Salah’s reported start will shape Egypt’s opening plan, while Marmoush could become the decisive option if the qualifier remains level or begins to stretch after the interval.