Prediction: Japan vs Brazil

Verdict: Over 3,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

Brazil were the best team during the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, and there is an argument to believe they are one of the massive favourites to win the 2018 World Cup next year in Russia. Considering they must start adjusting and preparing for next year, La Caraninha will play two matches in Europe during this month, the first one being against Japan this Friday. Kick-off is scheduled at 12:00 BST, and Benoit Bastien will be the referee.

Japan

Japan have established themselves as a powerhouse in the AFC region, and they confirmed it once again with a stellar Qualifying run. They got squared in Group B alongside Saudi Arabia, Australia and UAE, but came out on top with 20 points in 10 matches thanks to a 6W 2D 2L record. They might not become a contender for the World Cup title, but there is no question they are one team to keep an eye on because they are talented enough to pull the upset against virtually any team in the world. And that is exactly the reason why Japan will play against two world-class opponents such as Brazil and Belgium over the next few days. They want to test themselves, and see how far they can ago against better opponents. Their recent record against Brazil has not been very good, though. Japan is yet to defeat Brazil in six matches, with two draws and four losses.

Team News

Japan should not have injury concerns, so The Blue Samurais are reportedly at full strength ahead of this game.

Brazil

It would be an understatement to say Tite has transformed Brazil, but that is exactly what the experienced manager has done to this team. He took over the team after a terrible stint from Dunga – who was eliminated in the 2016 Copa America and afterwards lost the Qualifiers opener to Chile – and took the team back to their roots while leading a rebuilding process that inserted names such as Alisson, Marquinhos, Casemiro, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho into the first team. The results have been impressive, as La Selecao finished at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers with 41 points (12W 5D 1L) and 41 goals scored in only 18 matches. Tite has rightfully placed La Canarinha as a top contender for the title. But for that to happen, the team must iron out a few things during the pre-World Cup friendlies. And Japan is certainly a good starting point since they are one of the best teams in the Asian region.

Team News

Tite should have every single player available ahead of this game excepting Philippe Coutinho. The Liverpool playmaker might not play against the Samurais due to a nagging muscular injury.

However, the problem is not expected to be serious. In fact, there is a high chance the former Inter star plays against England four days later.

Key Factors to Consider

• Brazil have a clear supremacy over Japan in their past six games, registering four wins and two draws over that span.
• Brazil have won 10 of their last 15 internationals keeping a clean sheet. Japan have only kept one clean sheet in their last six matches.
• Japan have a 2W 2D 1L record over his last five matches,
• Brazil have not conceded a goal in their last three meetings against Japan, and in fact they have allowed just one goal in their past five games across all competitions.

Conclusion

Brazil have dominated Japan over the years, and that should not change here. Even though the Asian side might end up scoring at least once, Brazil are far better on both ends of the pitch, they should have a field day against a Japanese defence that has kept just one clean sheet in their past six games.

Expect at least 3,5 goals between both teams.

Verdict: Over 3,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: 888sport