When one compares to last years friendly, it is small. We attracted over 27000 for the A Madrid game, but they are a big team and we had the excitement of promotion running high still.
But they, unlike Alireza, had been with us for most if not all pre-season. They were also match-fit, unlike Jahanbakhsh who has admitted he's off the pace.
Hughton is usually VERY cautious with any new players and takes an age to bed them in. It would surprise me if Alireza got much game time in the next month, but let's see. I agree with Bensgrandad, he'll most likely start with the team he intends to play at Watford. @Zamora's shout is a good one...