Japan vs Senegal FIFA World Cup 2018 – Lineups, Predictions & Stats Preview 24 June 2018

Japan and Senegal meet on 24 June in Yekaterinburg, with both sides buoyant following their surprise wins over Colombia and Poland respectively.

Japan Probable Lineups and Stats

Coach Akira Nishino is unlikely to make many changes following the Colombia game. Leicester City striker Shinji Okazaki might have been expected to return after sitting out most of the first match due to a minor injury, but a strong performance, including the winning goal, from his replacement Yuyo Osako may help the Cologne player to retain his place. Japan’s other goal was a penalty from Dortmund’s Shinji Kagawa, whose experience remains invaluable. Against Colombia, the Japanese enjoyed 62% of possession, although this was helped by the fact that the opposition were reduced to 10 men for most of the match. Despite a rather flat first-half performance, they took charge as the Colombians tired, and eventually managed 14 shots on goal, of which 5 were on target. Japan earned 6 corners, perhaps fewer than might have been expected considering their numerical advantage, and incurred just one yellow card.

Senegal Probable Lineups and Stats

Coach Aliou Cisse will have been fairly satisfied with the performance against the seeded Poles, so significant team changes are unlikely. West Ham’s Cheikhou Kouyate could be restored to the starting line-up, but Cisse may stick with Stoke’s Badou Ndiaye. Senegal’s goals against Poland came from Everton’s Idrissa Gueye, with a shot deflected in by Cionek, and Milan’s M’Baye Niang, showing excellent alertness when returning to the field following an injury. Senegal enjoyed a modest 41% of possession against Poland. They took 8 shots, of which 2 were on target. The Lions of Teranga earned 3 corners and incurred 2 yellow cards. Against Poland, they did not always retain the ball well, but they showed enough determination, physicality and skill to overcome an out-of-sorts opponent. For them to progress further, Liverpool’s Sadio Mane will need to exert more influence in attacking situations.

Japan v Senegal – Head to Head

There have been three meetings between the two nations, but none within the last 15 years. Senegal won two of these, with one drawn. This time, the game is likely to be a tight, low-scoring affair. Japan may have more possession, but could find it difficult to break down the Senegalese, perhaps allowing Mane’s class to tip the balance in Senegal’s favour.

Expert Tip

As mentioned, Japan and Senegal haven’t faced each other for 15 years and we can expect everything from this game. The Japanese team probably will not change too much after their opening-fixture win. If striker Shinji Okazaki is declared fully fit, then Akira Nishino will have a decision to make. Nevertheless, after a promising Matchday 1 performance, Aliou Cissé’s squad will be confident of doing well in this game. That’s why our tip for this game is Both teams to score: Yes.

Interesting Facts and Information

  • Japan wins 1st half in 13% of their games, Senegal in 18% of their games.
  • Senegal’s recent performance is better than Japan’s.
  • In World Cup, Senegal has better performance than Japan.
  • The winner of their last meeting was Senegal.
  • Japan scores 1.64 goals when playing at home and Senegal scores 1.38 goals when playing away (on average).
  • When Japan leads 1-0 at home, they win in 66% of their games.
  • When Senegal leads 0-1 away, they win in 75% of their games.
  • When Japan is down 0-1 home, they win 20% of their games.
  • When Senegal is down 1-0 away, they win 0% of their games.
  • Japan have conceded a goal in each of their last 8 games.

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