India face Asia's strongest team Iran in their FIFA World Cup qualification campaign at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru today.Placed 40th in the FIFA rankings, Iran, who have qualified for four World Cup finals, will start out as overwhelming favourites against 155th ranked India. The Indians are under pressure following defeats to Oman and Guam, a tiny Pacific Ocean island, by identical 2-1 margins.Iran, after a tentative start that saw them draw 1-1 in Turkmenistan, were at full throttle against Guam in Tehran, winning 6-0. The results have put Iran in the third spot in the group behind Oman and Guam (both of whom have six points), but with the best goal difference.For all their obvious superiority, Iran coach Carlos Queiroz refused to attach much significance to the FIFA rankings or the past results between the two countries which has the visitors winning seven of the 10 games as against two by India.“I have great respect for India as opponents. And I don't see the FIFA rankings as a parameter to judge. It is 11 versus 11 on the field tomorrow. Nothing less, nothing more,“ said the former Real Madrid manager.Team India coach Stephen Constantine, who of late has been rather vocal in his criticism of the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) functioning, has been trying out various players in a bid to arrive at the most effective combination.Since he took charge as the national coach earlier this year, Constantine has fielded 15 debutants in four matches, but the results have been far from productive.But he's hoping for a resolute display. “There is a great deal of respect for Iran, but don't mistake that for fear. It's 11 vs 11 on the field. If we work hard, there is a chance that we can take something from this game and I believe we can.“Indian captain Chhetri knows how difficult it will be to keep to their game plan against a tough opponent. "It's always difficult to play exactly the way you want when you play such high ranked team. We need to be fit and do our best."The visitors are full of confidence as witnessed in their last game versus Guam. The Iranians have played 12 games since their exit at the group stages of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and have won eight of them, including a famous victory over Copa America winners Chile, at the Azadi stadium. For India, Arnab Mondal, rested against their last match against Nepal, could return to the team's central defence alongside Sandesh Jhingan.They form India's best partnership at the back. Dhanpal Ganesh looked solid against Nepal as well.Constantine's best XI will also include Robin Singh and skipper Sunil Chhetri upfront with Jackichand Singh providing support. Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Ganesh, Pronay Halder and Sehnaj Singh will likely man the midfield.