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Horse Racing Asian Cup Outright Prediction: Tips and Best Bets Preview
The Asian Cup group stage has come to an end and Nathan Joyes is on hand to offer his Asian Cup Outright prediction, tips and best bets preview ahead of the knockout stages.
Before of the first knockout round on Sunday 28th, Nathan provides his best bet, next best, and longshot for those looking for a sprinkle of value for the remainder of the tournament.
Asian Cup Prediction and Tips Preview
- Asian Cup Outright Tip 1: Japan to Win Asian Cup
- Asian Cup Outright Tip 2: Qatar to Win Asian Cup
- Asian Cup Outright Tip 3: Iraq to Win Asian Cup
In this article:
Asian Cup Tip 1: Favourites now fired up
Qatar, Asian Cup, Sunday, January 28th, 11:30 (UK)
It’s been a disappointing campaign so far for the Blue Samurai, who wouldn’t have expected to not top their group. Falling behind against a Vietnam side missing several key players certainly wasn’t in the script, and neither was losing to Iraq.
However, they got back on track against Indonesia with a rather comprehensive 3-1 victory. South Korea’s draw with 130th FIFA-ranked Malaysia proved it isn’t always easy.
Japan will struggle against more physical teams. Iraq proved just that. They were quick out the blocks, dangerous in the air and punished the tournament favourites. It wasn’t the first time this has happened, either, but Japan reacted well and somehow didn’t come away with a point.
Denied a clear penalty, it wasn’t to be. But their overall fitness is far superior to most in this competition. Any extra time will surely be in their favour.
First up is Bahrain, which is likely to be followed by Iran. Iran will pose that physical threat, but hopefully, Japan have learned some harsh lessons from the group and will progress through both fixtures.
With Ayase Ueda leading the line and so many European stars in behind, it would be foolish not to believe they can win the trophy. However, for those who prefer an outsider, they may bump into the hosts in the semi-finals.
- Asian Cup Outright Tip 1: Japan to Win Asian Cup
- Best Odds: 2.62
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
Asian Cup Tip 2: Holders and hosts a generous price
Despite a dismal World Cup display, Qatar have returned to calmer waters and shown they are capable of defending their crown on home soil.
Three wins without conceding in the group stage has sent a statement out to any believing their best days were behind them after winning the 2019 Asian Cup.
And there’s plenty of talent within the squad. Almoez Ali is a powerful striker who certainly knows where the back of the net is. Not many teams can keep him quiet for 90 minutes. Next to him is Al-Sadd’s Akram Afif, who already has three goals to his name despite having only started two matches.
In behind, you have veteran Hasan Al Haydos, but his goal of the tournament effort vs China has shown why he still carries a threat.
Qatar is well-drilled and organised and have competed well to date. Tajikistan wasn’t an easy match, but they managed it extremely well, whilst Lebanon were easily brushed aside. They rotated and rested versus China but kept that winning mentality going and headed into the knockouts with no injury concerns.
Avoiding South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq has been their reward for finishing top, and although Japan and Iran potentially stand in their way, Qatar shouldn’t fear anyone.
With Palestine and either Thailand/Uzbekistan standing in their way en route to the semi-finals, it’s a rather favourable draw for the hosts, and their price looks to offer more value than most.
- Asian Cup Outright Tip 2: Qatar to Win Asian Cup
- Best Odds: 11.00
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Asian Cup Tip 3: Lightning can strike twice
When looking at teams with a bigger price around their neck, only one nation caught my eye. Iraq won all three of their group matches, which included their sensational victory over Japan.
They won’t meet Japan again until the final if it plays out that way for both nations, who have been drawn on the opposite side.
Second favourites South Korea haven’t convinced to justify their short price. Although they haven’t lost yet, they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet to date. Conceding three vs Malaysia was highly concerning, as was two vs Jordan.
Jurgen Klinsmann, who doesn’t live in Korea, could only smile when Malaysia equalised in the final minute, which didn’t go down well with the supporters. South Korea hasn’t won this tournament in over 40 years, and that could well be extended.
South Korea faces Saudi Arabia, who may not have the quality to go the distance either. That leaves debutants Tajikistan, Jordan, UAE, and Iraq from that particular side of the draw, and it’s Iraq that catches my attention.
Aymen Hussain is the leading top goalscorer with five to his name. The 27-year-old forward is lethal in the air, physical, strong and willing to fight for every ball. He will be their main hope of progressing.
However, it isn’t all on their striker. Iraq has already shown that they play without fear, start games fast, put pressure on their opponents, and look to strike early. Fitness concerns are a worry, as we saw them dead on their feet vs Japan, but they still held on and pulled together.
They have all the right ingredients to go further in this tournament, and considering their route and performances so far, the Lions of Mesopotamia offer plenty of value.
- Asian Cup Outright Tip 3: Iraq to Win Asian Cup
- Best Odds: 15.00
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 5/10
Asian Cup Outright Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, January 26th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Asian Cup News Preview: Feyenoord forward to fire Japan into final
Japan’s Ayase Ueda has had to prove himself to head coach Hajime Moriyasu, but the Feyenoord striker must start if Japan are to reach the final.
The 25-year-old came on against Vietnam to score in the second half, while he led the line in the final group match and scored a brace against Indonesia. He only had 30 minutes vs Iraq in their 2-1 defeat, with Takuma Asano being preferred, but he failed to impress in his 60-minute cameo.
As mentioned, Iraq’s hopes rest on the performances of Aymen Hussein. If the 27-year-old can carry on finishing his chances, there’s every chance they can continue to defy their odds in a more favourable side of the draw.
Yet, keep an eye on the hosts and Qatar’s striker pairing. Both Almoez Ali and Akram Afif know what it takes on this stage, and with four goals between them already, they’ll want to continue their red-hot form into the knockout stages.
Asian Cup Outright Stats Preview: Japan still in the driving seat
- Qatar are the defending champions and have won all three group matches without conceding.
- Iraq has won all three matches, and their striker Aymen Hussein has five goals to his name.
- Japan has scored eight goals in their three group matches and remain the clear favourites to lift the trophy.
How To Watch
- Asian Cup
- Date and Time: Resumes Sunday 28th, 11:30
- How to Watch or Stream on TV (UK): Triller+, bet365, Unibet
SAFER GAMBLING
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