In their group games so far, Iran have beaten Uzbekistan 2-1 and drawn 2-2 with China, games that were notable for the way in which Iran battled back after conceding early goals.

Despite being content with the resolve shown by Iran in those two encounters, Ghalenoei is keen for his charges to show more consistency over 90 minutes as his side look to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

"We have looked at this up and down and we have had several meetings with team officials and the experienced players who are here," he said.

"We have reached some conclusions but I would prefer to keep them quiet for now. What I can say, though, is that both the teams we have played against so far played very defensively.

"I think Malaysia will also play the same way. As usual our team will have an attacking system in order to score some goals."

Ghalenoei also insisted that he will not let complacency wreck his side's chances of conquering co-hosts Malaysia - who have crashed to heavy defeats against Uzbekistan and China - and finishing top of their group.

The three-time Asian Cup winners need to beat the co-hosts in convincing fashion on Wednesday in order to finish above both China and Uzbekistan, a position that would see Iran stay in Malaysia for their quarter-final match.

"I have to say that we always respect our opponents and that of course includes the Malaysia national team," Ghalenoei added.

"We have to try and be first in this group because we would then stay in Malaysia. As you know Malaysia have conceded a lot of goals in their first two games. Even so, we have to approach this game in the same way as we approached our games against Uzbekistan and China.

"The result of this match is important and we will use all our key players against Malaysia because we prefer to stay in Malaysia where we have been made to feel very welcome.

"Our first priority is therefore to win the group and then we will think about who we will play next in the quarter-finals."

Meanwhile, Ghalenoei's Malaysian counterpart, Norizan Bakar, has countered the criticism of his side's campaign ahead of the game.

Malaysia's 5-1 defeat to China was swiftly followed by an equally humiliating 5-0 loss at the hands of Uzbekistan, results that have led to hostility from the national press and the resignation of one of the country's top football officials.

"This tournament has brought its ups and downs but I do not want to run away from my responsibilities," said the former Perlis and Penang boss.

"With all that is happening around us, with all the criticism and humiliation, even the best psychologists would struggle to help our team.

"I can see that team morale is quite low at the moment after the two defeats, and I have said that we must approach the Iran game in the right manner.

"I have just told the players that the criticism is part and parcel of football and that what is happening here at the Asian Cup can only help us in the future."