World Cup Qualifiers Preview: Japan vs China – Key-stats, H2H , line-ups , prediction

Yan Junling of China
Yan Junling of China - IMAGO / Xinhua

Stadium: National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)


Key Stats

  • China were handed a humiliating defeat by Australia in their opening game, getting thumped 3-0 by the Aussies
  • Japan, just like their upcoming opponents, had to bear a 0-1 loss, getting vanquished by an inspired Oman team in their first qualifying game.
  • Both the teams have failed to score a single goal in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers.   

Head to Head

The two Asian sides have had a total of 37 encounters in the past, with China edging their long-term adversaries by a single win. The Dragon’s team as the Chinese are fondly known, have amassed 15 victories to Japan’s 14 wins. The remaining eight meetings have ended in a stalemate.

Recent form

China: L-W-W-W-W

Japan: L-W-W-W-W

China

Currently occupying the bottom spot of Group B, China have the worst goal difference among six teams after matchday one. While China have established a formidable home record, only losing one of their last seven matches, this defeat was inflicted by none other than the Japanese. Their last round performance could be a salvaging point for the Chinese, where Li Tie’s men managed to score 30 goals all the while conceding only three.
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Possible line-ups

Yan Junling, Zhang Linpeng, Yu Dabao, Gao Zhunyi, Zheng Zheng, Hao Junmin, Chi Zhongguo, Wu Xi, Wu Lei, Zhang Yuning, Elkeson

Japan

Japan’s last week’s defeat to Oman came as a surprise to the whole footballing world as the Blue Samurai were the clear favorites to win that tie. Despite having global stars like Takefusa Kubo and Maya Yoshida in their ranks, Japan sit in fourth place ahead of their clash with China.Under the guidance of Hajime Moriyasu, Japan are expected to romp through the qualification rounds.

Possible line-ups

Shuichi Gonda, Yuyto Nagatomo, Maya Yoshida,Yuta Nakayama, Sei Muroya, Daichi Kamada, Genki Haraguchi, Ritsu Doan, Takefusa Kubo, Yuya Osako, Kyogo Furuhashi 

Prediction

This Chinese squad possesses a lot of potential and could end up shocking everyone in the latter stages. They also have a historical advantage over their Asian counterparts. However, considering Japan’s recent resurgence coupled with their star-studded squad marks them as clear favorites in this tie. The Japanese will be looking to balance the head-to-head record in an emphatic fashion, come Tuesday.

China 1-2 Japan