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Horse Racing Iran vs Japan Prediction: Tips and Best Bets Preview
We’ve reached the quarter-final stage of the Asian Cup and Nathan Joyes provides his Iran vs Japan prediction, tips and best bets preview.
Syria took Iran all the way to penalties in their round of 16 match, while Japan breezed by Bahrain as the favourites look to justify their price.
Iran vs Japan Prediction and Bet Builder Tips Preview
- Iran vs Japan Tip 1: Japan to Win
- Iran vs Japan Tip 2: BTTS – Yes
- Iran vs Japan Tip 3: Ayase Ueda to Score Anytime
Bet Builder Odds: 8.00
In this article:
Iran vs Japan Tip 1: Favourites to fire themselves into semis
Doha, Asian Cup, Saturday, February 3rd, 11:30 (UK)
The Asian Cup favourites, and top goalscorers in the competition to date, will be bitterly disappointed if they fail to win it at this point.
They’ve only had one scare to date, but so did Argentina in Qatar, and it appears as though their defeat to Iraq was the wake-up call they needed.
Since their defeat, two 3-1 victories have followed, and although there are concerns at the back, there’s too much attacking talent to ignore – and something Iran may struggle to pen back.
Ayase Ueda (we’ll get to him later) will worry Iran with how ruthless he has been in the final third. He has four goals to his name, and the return of Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma from his injury is a massive boost for the favourites.
A big blow for Iran is the fact Porto forward Mehdi Taremi, their current top goalscorer, is suspended, having been sent off vs Syria. The advantage is certainly with Japan, who showed in their round of 16 fixture they can step up and claim the title.
These two nations haven’t met since the semi-finals of this competition back in 2019, where Japan ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. It won’t be quite as simple this time round, but their attacking patterns in the final third should be enough to stretch Iran’s defence and cause issues.
- Iran vs Japan Tip 1: Japan to Win
- Best Odds: 1.83
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
Iran vs Japan Tip 2: Defences to be tested
Japan have grown into the competition, but there remain question marks around their defence. Yet, to keep a clean sheet after four matches, they are relying on their attacking department to bail them out of trouble.
Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki is their weak link, who has made mistakes against Iraq, and an own goal vs Bahrain wouldn’t have filled him with confidence.
Japan has only lost one match, which came against Iraq. They struggle against stronger, more physical teams, and although Iran is slightly more reserved in comparison to Iraq, they’ll look to put plenty of pressure on Japan’s defence.
Iran has scored in every match, and Japan has conceded in every game, yet they are also the top goal-corers in the competition.
The competition may be heating up, and more tense games are anticipated, but it’ll be a surprise if both of these fail to find the back of the net.
- Iran vs Japan Tip 2: BTTS – Yes
- Best Odds: 2.10
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
Iran vs Japan Tip 3: Feyenoord forward aiming for golden boot
After proving himself off the bench vs Vietnam and Iraq, Hajime Moriyasu had little choice but to re-select Ayase Ueda to lead his line.
The Feyenoord striker has certainly repaid the favour, having scored a brace vs Indonesia before scoring Japan’s third as they cruised past Bahrain in the round of 16.
The 25-year-old forward thrives leading the line on his own, with several key players in behind capable of providing him with top service.
Not only is there Keito Nakamura and Risu Doan behind, but Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma returned after his injury and instantly shined. All three will relish offering their services to Ueda, who has shown a range of deadly finishing, especially around the box.
The golden boot is up for grabs, especially as Iraq has been knocked out, with Aymen Hussein leading the way with six goals.
However, Ueda has only failed to score in one match, where he only featured for less than 30 minutes against Iraq. He’s the star of the tournament, and it almost seems to be a guaranteed selection for me during this Asian Cup.
- Iran vs Japan Tip 3: Ayase Ueda to score anytime
- Best Odds: 3.25
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
Iran vs Japan Prediction odds via bet365 as at 08:00, February 1st, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Iran vs Japan Team News Preview: Mitoma return a boost for Samurai Blue
As mentioned, the return of Mitoma at this stage in the tournament could be a monumental moment for Japan. Being able to effectively call up their star player at this point may just be enough to see them lift the title.
Iran’s reliance on Mehdi Taremi will be put on hold after his red card vs Syria. Having scored three goals from his four appearances, he will be a big loss in what is Iran’s biggest match to date.
Both teams have a few niggling injuries from the round of 16, but there shouldn’t be any other notable absences from either camp.
Iran vs Japan Stats Preview: Iran can register
- These two nations haven’t met since the Asian Cup semi-finals in 2019, where Japan came out on top 3-0.
- Both teams to score yes has landed as winners in all four of Japan’s matches in the 2024 Asian Cup.
- Iran has scored in every Asian Cup match to date, but have only kept one clean sheet vs Hong Kong in the groups.
How To Watch
- Iran vs Japan, Asian Cup.
- Date and Time: Saturday, February 3rd, 11:30 (UK)
- How to Watch or Stream on TV (UK): Triller+, bet365, Unibet
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