Japan vs China Predictions

• Japan’s six games at this stage of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers have contained a total of just eight goals.
• Five of Japan’s last six games have contained under 2.5 goals.
• China have only won one of their six group games, losing 1-0 at home to Japan back in September.

Japan chasing place in Qatar

Japan have won four of their six group games at the third stage of Asia’s World Cup qualification process, but have work to do to make certain of their place in Qatar after losses to Oman and group leaders Saudi Arabia. Japan, who have not failed to qualify for the World Cup since 1994, boast the joint-best defensive record in the group, conceding just three goals to date.

Indeed, Japan’s six group games have yielded a total of just eight goals, and five of their last six outings have seen less than three goals scored. Only one Japanese player, Genk winger Junya Ito, has managed more than one goal for the Samurai Blue at this stage.

Japan will be hopeful of a crucial victory when they meet rivals China, who have picked up just one win from their six outings thus far, and look to be out of contention for just a second-ever appearance at FIFA’s showpiece event. China are winless in three, posting consecutive 1-1 draws in the last international break back in November.

Japan should edge rivals, but won’t blow them away

Japan are unbeaten in their last 13 meetings with their rivals, last losing to China in 1998. The hosts should have more than enough about them to claim another crucial qualification victory here, but considering their uninspiring attacking record, Japan to win and under 2.5 goals to be scored seems the best play.

With that in mind, backing another 1-0 Japan win could represent a strong correct score prediction.