AFC Asian Cup 2023: Bahrain vs Japan: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Japan is the highest-ranked team at the tournament in terms of FIFA Rankings.

Bahrain is set to face the mighty Japan in the upcoming Round of 16 clash of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup at the Al Thumama Stadium in Al Thumama, Qatar on 31 January 2024. Samurai Blue are one of the favourites to go all the way and win the coveted title which has eluded them since 2011 but the Reds are tricky opponents who are determined to cause the biggest upset of the tournament.

Japan finished Group D in second position behind Iraq after losing to the latter in one of the most shocking results of the tournament yet. As a result of them finishing second, the four-time Asian champions are up against the Group E toppers Bahrain, which replaced South Korea for the top position in the points table. 

There are huge stakes on the line and both teams will be gunning for the win. As the match-day approaches, here is a look at what to expect from the game:

Kick-Off

Wednesday, 31 January 2024, 5:00 PM IST at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Al-Thumama, Qatar.

Form

Bahrain (all competitions): L-L-L-W-W

Japan (all competitions): W-W-W-L-W

Players to Watch

Ayase Ueda (Japan)

Ayase Ueda delivered the goals against Indonesia in a 3-1 win to ensure Japan’s qualification into the knockout stages. The Samurai Blue have struggled to finish chances but Ueda showed calmness in front of the goal and emerged as a solution to that problem.

The rest of the team must create chances for the forward who has found a good rhythm and cannot wait to add more goals to his tally.

Ali Madan (Bahrain)

Ali Madan has been the biggest factor in Bahrain qualifying for the Round of 16. The midfielder scored a late winner against Malaysia and then provided the assist for the match-winning goal against Jordan.

He loves to create scoring chances for his teammates and does not shy away from taking shots on goal from a long distance. 

Match Facts

• Japan has scored eight goals in the group stages in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, the most for any team at the tournament.
• Japan is the highest-ranked team at the tournament in terms of FIFA Rankings for men’s national teams.
• The last meeting between Japan and Bahrain resulted in a 2-0 win for the former.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played – 12

Bahrain wins – 2

Japan wins – 9

Draws – 1

Predicted Lineup

Bahrain (4-2-3-1)

Lutfalla (GK), Adel, Baqer, Al-Hayam, Khalasi, Al-Shaikh, Yusuf, Madan, Al-Aswad, Marhoon, Helal

Japan (4-3-3)

Suzuki (GK), Maikuma, Tomiyasu, Machida, Nakayama, Endo, Kubo, Minamino, Ito, Doan, Ueda

Prediction for Saudi Arabia vs South Korea

Japan is the favourite to win the whole competition and their squad has plenty of match-winners that can turn any game around.

Prediction: Bahrain 1-3 Japan

Telecast for Saudi Arabia vs South Korea

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Oman – BeinSports, Alkass

United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands – Triller TV

Australia – Network 10

Saudi Arabia – Shahid

Tajikistan – Varzishtv

United Arab Emirates – ADTV

AFC Asian Cup 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.