Nothing to split World Cup group outsiders
Canada and Japan will square off on Thursday afternoon at Al-Maktoum Stadium in Dubai in their last friendly before the World Cup action starts in earnest in just a few days in Qatar. Both nations have been handed very tough draws in their respective groups, but, with the pressure off them for different reasons, this game can be a crucial one in terms of nailing down tactics and selection. Read our preview here:
Far from Eust-less
John Herdman has Alphonso Davies coming back into the picture at precisely the right time, though the Bayern Munich wide player is unlikely to be risked from the start in the Middle Eastern heat. Much of the focus in the build-up for their first tournament for generations has been on the front three, though the midfield is also an interesting area. Stephen Eustáquio is operating at a high level for Portuguese powerhouses Porto, swiftly turning engine room battles into chances in the final third, whilst also chipping in himself.
Ferocious Kubo
Meanwhile, Hajime Moriyasu is a stickler for the tried-and-tested formations that have dominated the senior men's Samurai Blue setup for years, but he now possesses a bevy of attack-minded midfield talent in lieu of an effective number nine. One of these is 21 year old Takefusa Kubo, who is having a solid campaign with Real Sociedad in La Liga. He is unlikely to start their opener against Germany, though he will offer plenty against tired legs in wider positions.
Betting tip
betway have odds of 3.10 for a draw, with neither side likely to play fast-tempo football in the heat.
