AFC - Beirut: Lebanon are hopeful the return from injury of captain Roda Antar and striker Mahmoud El Ali will help spark a revival in their bid to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup as Theo Bucker's side host Iran in Group A on Tuesday.

The Cedars were the surprise package during the third round of the Asian qualifiers when they eliminated Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to reach the final round of qualifying for the first time.

But with Antar and El Ali sidelined in June, Bucker's side suffered defeats against Qatar and Korea Republic and drew 1-1 at home against Uzbekistan to slip to the bottom of the group with only one point from three games.

However, the duo returned to international action last Thursday for a warm-up match against Australia, and while they were unable to help avoid a 3-0 loss against the Socceroos, their presence at the Sports City Stadium on Tuesday will give Lebanon a welcome lift as they seek their first win since their famous 2-1 victory over Korea Republic at the same venue in November.

"The match against Iran is really important and decisive for us as the result is really important and could determine our campaign in the qualifiers," said Bucker.

"We must fully concentrate during the game and put in every effort to get a positive result."

Lebanon have never managed a win against Iran in a senior international match and will have to cope with the absence of winger Ahmed Zreik, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards.

Defender Youssef Mohamad is also doubtful after picking up a knock during against Australia.

"Iran have a lot of potential and they are an experienced side in Asian football," added Bucker.

"They use a modern football style and we must be ready to do all what we can to get a good result against them."

Iran currently sit joint-second in Group A alongside Qatar, two points behind leaders Korea, after posting a 1-0 win against Uzbekistan before sharing a goalless draw against Qatar.

And Team Melli, who are unbeaten so far in their 10 matches during the 2014 qualifiers, stepped up their preparations for the trip to Beirut with a goalless draw against Jordan in Amman on Wednesday.

However, coach Carlos Queiroz will be without forward Ashkan Dejagah, midfielder Mojtaba Jabbari and defender Khosro Heydari due to injury, while Andranik Teymourian is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the qualifiers against Qatar.

"Despite the fact that our match against Lebanon is not going to be easy, we have a great chance to win. We can't underestimate Lebanon because they are a strong team especially when they play at home and therefore the task will not be easy," said Queiroz.

"I watched Lebanon's match against Australia and I have formed a good idea about them. They are not easy to play against, but we must get the three important points from the match.

"Lebanon have good players, but we also have good players who have experience and skills to play such important matches.

"We will be without several players but I'm confident that the players we have are capable of getting a good result."