China vs. Japan - prediction, team news, lineups

Preview

China and Japan will face off in a crucial match on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the Wuhan Sports Center Stadium in Wuhan, China. The match is part of the FIFA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers, and both teams will be looking to secure a spot in the next round. China is currently in third place in Group A with 10 points from six matches, while Japan is in second place with 12 points from the same number of matches. A win for either team would put them in a strong position to qualify for the next round. China will be without the services of suspended defender Zhang Linpeng, while Japan will be without injured midfielder Takumi Minamino. Both teams are expected to field strong lineups, and the match is expected to be a close and exciting affair.

Team news

**China** Head coach Li Tie has named a 23-man squad for the match against Japan. The squad includes several players who ply their trade in Europe, such as Wu Lei (Espanyol), Zhang Xizhe (Beijing Guoan), and Wang Shangyuan (Guangzhou FC). **Japan** Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has named a 26-man squad for the match against China. The squad includes several players who play for top clubs in Europe, such as Maya Yoshida (Sampdoria), Wataru Endo (VfB Stuttgart), and Takumi Minamino (Liverpool).

Lineups

**China** Yan Junling; Wang Shenchao, Feng Xiaoting, Zhu Chenjie, Li Lei; Wu Xi, Chi Zhongguo, Wang Shangyuan; Wu Lei, Ai Kesen, Zhang Xizhe. **Japan** Shuichi Gonda; Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Shogo Taniguchi, Yuto Nagatomo; Wataru Endo, Gaku Shibasaki, Daichi Kamada; Junya Ito, Takumi Minamino, Kyogo Furuhashi.

Prediction

The match between China and Japan is expected to be a close and exciting affair. Both teams have quality players, and they will be motivated to secure a win. China will be looking to make the most of their home advantage, while Japan will be confident of getting a result away from home. Overall, Japan is the slight favorite to win the match. They have a more experienced and talented squad, and they have been in better form in recent months. However, China should not be underestimated. They have a good record at home, and they will be determined to make a statement against their rivals. The match is likely to be decided by small margins. Both teams have the potential to win, and it could go either way.