Japan vs Australia Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | AFC World Cup Qualifiers, October 15, 2024
Japan vs Australia Preview
- Tournament: AFC World Cup Qualifiers.
- Date: Tuesday, October 15.
- Time: 10:35 AM GMT.
- Venue: Saitama Stadium.
Japan vs Australia will be the fourth game for these two teams in the AFC World Cup Qualifiers as the two top teams from Group C prepare to lock horns in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
The hosts will enter this contest on the back of a very strong run of form. They have won each of their seven games in these qualifying rounds and have brushed aside every opponent with ease. Japan have scored a whopping 28 goals in these games at the rate of four goals per game, and have amazingly kept clean sheets in all those games. This will prove to be an intimidating sight for any team that faces them.
Australia, on the other hand, have only a slightly worse form guide to show for from their games. They have won five, drawn one and lost one of their seven games so far and have a pretty decent goals scored to goals conceded ratio. They have netted 17 times in these games and conceded just twice, setting up a clash of titans against Japan in the next game.
On that note, let’s take a look at the team news for both sides.
Japan National Football Team News
Manager Hajime Moriyasu went full-strength in his team selection when Japan beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 on October 10. He will be compelled to repeat a similarly strong lineup in the next match as they prepare to face arguably their toughest opponents yet. With every player fit and raring to go, it will be a challenge for the manager to pick the right XI.
Australia National Football Team News
Manager Tony Popovic fielded a strong lineup as Australia secured a morale-boosting 3-1 win against China in their last outing. He will look to keep the momentum going and will not make any changes to the lineup. However, Nestory Irankunda picked up a knock in the last game and his participation in the next one could be doubtful.
Japan vs Australia Predicted Lineups
Japan National Football Team Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki.
Defenders: Ko Itakura, Shogo Taniguchi, Koki Machida.
Midfielders: Ritsu Doan, Wataru Endo (C), Hidemasa Morita, Kaoru Mitoma.
Forwards: Takumi Minamino, Ayase Ueda, Daichi Kamada.
Australia National Football Team Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper: Joe Gauci.
Defenders: Thomas Deng, Harry Souttar, Kye Rowles.
Midfielders: Lewis Miller, Aiden O’Neill, Jackson Irvine (C), Aziz Behich.
Forwards: Craig Goodwin, Mitchell Duke, Riley McGree.
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record in recent times will not be an easy read for the Australians, who have failed to register a single win in their last five meetings with Japan. Their opponents have won four of the five meetings, while the other has been a draw. However, the last meeting was over two years ago back in 2022 and the Australians will be eager to show a lot has changed since then.
| Date | Match | Competition |
| 24/03/22 | Australia 0-2 Japan | World Cup Qualifiers |
| 12/10/21 | Japan 2-1 Australia | World Cup Qualifiers |
| 31/08/17 | Japan 2-0 Australia | World Cup Qualifiers |
| 11/10/16 | Australia 1-1 Japan | World Cup Qualifiers |
| 18/11/14 | Japan 2-1 Australia | Friendly |
Key Players to Watch
Hidemasa Morita (Japan)
The Sporting CP midfielder has been in good form for his country in the last two games. He has contributed to three goals in his last two appearances, with one assist in the win against Saudi, and a brace in the 5-0 thumping of Bahrain. He will again be crucial in the final third for the Japanese outfit.
Craig Goodwin (Australia)
The forward has been in good form for Australia in recent times and has scored one goal and provided one assist in their last meeting against China. He will be crucial for the team in terms of attacking output as most of the Socceroos’ play will revolve around Goodwin.
Japan vs Australia Prediction
Going by the recent history between these two Asian juggernauts, it is hard to look past Japan with their superior head-to-head record against Australia. The recent form also suggests that they would be firm favourites to win, and home advantage just makes the deal sweeter for Moriyasu’s men.
Prediction: Japan 2-1 Australia
Where to watch Japan vs Australia live?
| Country | Where to Watch |
| UK | OneFootball |
| USA | beIN Sports |
| India | Fancode |
| Japan | DAZN |
| Australia | Paramount+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. When is Japan vs Australia?
A. Japan will host Australia on Tuesday, October 15 at 10:35 AM GMT.
Q. Where can you watch Japan vs Australia for free?
A. Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream will stream the match for free.
Q. What is the predicted score for Japan vs Australia?
A. Japan 2-1 Australia.
Q. What is the recent head-to-head record for Japan vs Australia?
A. Japan have won four of the last five meetings, while the other one has been a 1-1 draw.