GW425 - Japan vs Syria Preview (Patreon)

Intro

Japan started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win. 

We saw lots of players out and fringe players in general given a chance.  This was a surprise with this manager. He usually plays his fav players even in in "easy" games. I like his change in approach in a footballing sense, though it made things a bit of a nightmare for SO5!

Next up is a more challenging game away to Syria. The game isnt until Tuesday however post game interview with the manager strongly hints at we will see more of the regular/favourite starting.

Syria opened their campaign with a 1-0 win against North Korea and the strongest team in Japans group.

Predicted Lineups

Japan

• Keeper situation for me is a flip between Osako and Suzuki who has been hinted at being given game time. I give the slight edge to Osako.
• Tomiyasu and Nakayama are slight injury concerns. Hiroki Ito can also play LB as well as CB.
• Sugawara, Endo, Morita, Kubo, Junya Ito all are what I consider first choice players. They were were either rested or came on as subs in the opening game. Im pretty confident they all start.
• Kamada injured his back and didnt travel with the team. Minamino in form and went off early, I have him fav to start again with Doan another option.
• Striker Asano is the trusted striker with this manager. I think he starts with Ueda coming on a sub.
• There is also the possibility both start with Asano on the LW and Ueda as Striker.
• This game will be played in Saudi Arabia. This benefits Japan in the sense the pitch quality will be decent.

Prediction

Much tougher game for Japan where they will have to work harder to break down this Syrian defence. They are still big favorites and should win comfortably with a clean sheet also likely.

Predicted Score - Syria 0 - 2 Japan

Finish

I hope you found this useful!

I will post any updates that come out before the deadline on Discord. Game is 4 days away so some risk of news coming out after the deadline.

If you have any feedback or queries, just give me a shout.

Enjoy the games and good luck!