Japan host South American giants Brazil in France later this week, with both teams looking to continue their run of good form ahead of next year’s World Cup finals in Russia. Brazil are the firm favourites for victory thanks to their wealth of talent, however Japan will be out to cause a surprise when they take to the field at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Friday evening.
International Friendly – Stade de France, Saint-Denis – Friday 10th November – 20:00 UK Time
|
Draw Best Odd of: 19/4 at Unibet |
|
Japan
BrazilMatch Preview
Some of the biggest names in world football will meet in Lille on Friday, with Japan taking on Brazil in a friendly fixture. Despite not being a competitive encounter, both nations have named strong playing squads for the tie, making this an exciting match for neutral supporters. A large number of bets are expected to be placed on the game, despite the South American’s being the firm favourites for victory. For those interested in wagering upon this tie, be sure to check out our top tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams.
Japan Team News & Form
Japan head coach Vahid Halilhodžić led his team to a place in next year’s World Cup Finals after finishing top of the AFC Third Round Group B, thanks to six wins from their ten matches. However, having only collected a single point from their final two matches, Japan will be looking to return to winning ways sooner rather than later.
The likes of Shinji Kagawa, Maya Yoshida and Shinki Okazaki are among their most recognisable players, with the trio all having experience of playing in the English Premier League. Meanwhile, defender Naomichi Ueda could make his debut for the national team against Brazil.
Brazil Team News & Form
Brazil finished ten points clear of Uruguay in second place in the CONMEBOL standings, winning 12 of their 18 qualifying matches, as well as losing just once. 41 goals in the same number of games demonstrate what a threat Brazil are in attack, with the world’s most expensive footballer, Neymar Jr, set to line-up for the away side. Elsewhere, the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino are likely to make appearances for Brazil.
As well as their undoubted skill, Brazil also have a hugely experienced squad, with Thiago Silva, Dani Alves, Willian and Neymar all having over 50 caps to their name.
Head to Head
The two teams have met 11 times in the past, with Japan still searching for their first victory over Brazil. The South American’s have won nine of such matches, the last of which came back in 2014 when they secured a 4-0 success. Four consecutive wins for Brazil make them the strong favourites for victory this week.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their dominance in this fixture in the past and their strong playing squad, it perhaps comes as little surprise that it is Brazil who are the favourites for victory with the bookmakers. Brazil can be backed at best odds of 3/10 with Skybet, while Japan are the significant underdogs with odds of 11 with Ladbrokes.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes, which can be found at best odds of 13/20 at Ladbrokes.