Iraq vs Japan Prediction: The Samurai Blue Will Be Able To Tame The Lions of Mesopotamia

In a Group D fixture, Iraq will welcome Japan to the Education City Stadium in the second round of the AFC Asian Cup.

Favorites to win the tournament are the Samurai Blue Japan, who will seek to extend their winning streak in this competition to two matches after winning their opening group game against Vietnam.

Let's have a look at the latest AFC Asian Cup predictions between Iraq vs. Japan, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Iraq

FIFA Ranking: 63rd

Iraq made Indonesia's return to the AFC Asian Cup after a hiatus since 2007, a bitter experience as they picked up a comfortable 3-1 victory at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. This signified their third consecutive victory in a group stage opener. The Lions of Mesopotamia sit second in Group D with three points to their name level on points with table-toppers Japan.

The Lions of Mesopotamia have maintained a consistent form as they have lost two of their last eight matches across all competitions, with their most recent being a 1-0 defeat to South Korea in a friendly match this year. As a nominal home team, they have won nine of their last ten home matches and will seek to use that as leverage to settle for a favorable outcome against Asia's powerhouse Japan in this impending encounter.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Hassan; H. Ali, Natiq, Adnan, Doski; Rashid, Resan; Bayesh, Jasim, Amyn; M. Ali

Japan

FIFA Ranking: 17th

Despite being the top dogs in this competition, Japan were inches away from being dealt a disappointing outcome against Vietnam, ranked 94th in the FIFA Rankings. However, their quality and level of experience prevailed at the end, as they came from a goal down to secure a narrow 4-2 victory at the Al-Thumama Stadium.

The Samurai Blue boast a rich history in the AFC Asian Cup, establishing themselves as a dominant force with four trophy wins, although their fourth silverware was clinched in 2011 and they will be seeking to end a two-year drought. Japan have won eleven consecutive matches across all competitions, with their most highlighted matches being two consecutive 5-0 triumphs against Syria and Myanmar in the World Cup qualifiers, and will be confident in extending that winning run to twelve matches.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Suzuki; Sugawara, Itakura, Taniguchi, H. Ito; Endo, Morita; J. Ito, Minamino, Kubo; Ueda

Match Facts

• Iraq have found the back of the net in six of their last eight matches across all competitions.
• Japan has won four consecutive away matches across all competitions.
• Iraq averages 1.69 goals per game when playing at home, and Japan averages 4.3 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last nine meetings, Iraq has won 0 times, Japan has won 7 times, and there have been 2 draws, with the goal difference being 18-5 in favor of Japan.

Expert Betting Tips

Iraq come into this clash bearing an underdog tag and could find themselves on the receiving end of an unfavorable outcome due to their lackluster display against Japan, which has yet to see them secure a win in nine matches.

Japan's defensive performance in their recent match against Vietnam was a disaster, and it won't come as a surprise if they concede a goal in this clash where securing maximum points appears inevitable. As such, we expect to see goals at both ends of the pitch, as we feel Iraq, who will be boasting with confidence, will definitely bring the fight to their opponents.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 2.14
• Total - Over 3.5 for 2.22
• Asian Handicap - Japan -1.5 for 1.67