Japan vs Uzbekistan Predictions

Japan have won each of their first two matches in Group F, though they didn’t exactly make light work of beating Turkmenistan on match-day one, while they weren’t overly convincing against Oman last time out. If they’re to get the better of Uzbekistan, who’re currently above the Japanese on goal difference, then Samurai Blue may need to up their game.

On match-day one, Japan took a while to hit their stride; they trailed Turkmenistan by a goal to nil at half-time, though in their second half their extra quality told, especially in the final third. That said, given that they were playing a side that can be described as minnows at this tournament, the fact that they conceded two goals and 1.16 expected goals wasn’t overly positive.

Second time out, Samurai Blue improved at both ends of the pitch, though they were once again underwhelming. From a creativity point of view, they offered a good amount, while they gave little away, though they were wasteful in front of goal. It’s better to create chances than offer little going forward, but the finishing of Hajime Moriyasu’s men will need to improve if they’re to go all the way in UAE.

Japan may have stuttered their way to a 3-2 win, but Uzbekistan made light work of obliterating Turkmenistan last time out, as they recorded a highly convincing 4-0 win. On that occasion, the side that currently sit top of Group F found it easy to create chances, as the fact that they clocked 3.11 expected goals for suggests.

Having looked dangerous in scoring four goals last time out, it’s easy to feel that Uzbekistan could cause the Japanese more than just a few problems on Thursday afternoon.

In the betting, ‘Both Teams to Score’ makes plenty of appeal at what appears to be a slightly generous price. Japan have the quality to get seriously involved in the final third and they certainly have plenty of room for improvement in that respect too, though Uzbekistan should not be dismissed, despite what the Win/Draw/Win prices suggest. The visitors performed as though they’ve got the tools to hurt the Japanese last time out, while the fact that the pair are both averaging over 1.7 expected goals for at this tournament means that the odds on both finding the net at least really ought to be a little bit shorter.