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

Iran is on a 17-game unbeaten streak.

Japan will take the field against Iran in one of the most anticipated quarter-final matches of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, Qatar on 3 February 2024. Both teams are strong favourites to win the tournament and the upcoming contest is generating a lot of hype and excitement due to the quality in both camps.

Japan reached the last eight by defeating Bahrain thanks to a 3-1 score line. However, Iran found it difficult to dispose of Syria out of the tournament. The Round of 16 clash had to be decided with a penalty shootout. 

While it will be disappointing to see one of the strong contenders bow out before the semis, such is the nature of knockout stages. As both teams prepare for the high-octane clash, here is what to expect from Japan versus Iran on Saturday:

Kick-Off

Saturday, 3 February 2024, 5:00 PM IST at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, Qatar.

Form

Iran (all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

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

Players to Watch

Mehdi Taremi (Iran)

Mehdi Taremi has scored three goals for Iran in the last two fixtures of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. The forward has shown incredible efficiency from the penalty spot.

He is an integral part of how Iran attacks and Japanese defenders must plan on stopping him from influencing the game.

Ayase Ueda (Japan)

Ayase Ueda has emerged as the solution to Japan’s finishing problems. The striker has scored three goals in the last two matches for the Samurai Blue, including a goal in the 3-1 win over Bahrain in the Round of 16.

Japan’s fans will hope that the 25-year-old can replicate his performances of late against a strong Iran defense.

Match Facts

• Japan has scored 12 goals while Iran has accumulated eight in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup heading into the quarter-final.
• Ayase Ueda has scored four goals which puts him second in the race for Golden Boot ahead of the quarters.
• Iran is on a 17-match unbeaten streak ahead of fixture against Japan.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played – 18

Iran wins – 6

Japan wins – 6

Draws – 6

Predicted Lineup

Iran (4-2-3-1)

Beiranvand (GK), Rezaeian, Cheshmi, Khalilzadeh, Hajsafi, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Jahanbakhsh, Taremi, Ghayedi, Azmoun.

Japan (4-3-2-1)

Suzuki (GK), Maikuma, Itakura, Tomiyasu, Nakayama, Endo, Kubo, Minamino, Doan, Nakamura, Ueda.

Prediction for Iran vs Japan

Japan has been more efficient in the final third and that could be the difference maker between them and Iran.

Prediction: Iran 2-3 Japan

Telecast for Iran vs Japan

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

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