Iraq vs Japan - Asian Cup: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction

Favourites Japan are back in action on Friday as they take on Iraq in Group D of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

The record four-time winners kicked off their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Vietnam on Matchday 1, but the triumph didn't arrive without concern as they were forced to come from behind. A brace from former Liverpool playmaker Takumi Minamino helped Japan over the line.

Iraq, who won this competition in 2007 and headed into the tournament in good form, also tasted success on Matchday 1 as they overcame Indonesia 3-1. That leaves the two sides at the top of Group D with three points apiece, with their upcoming duel set to decide who tops the group.

Here's preview of Japan's Group D clash against Iraq on Friday.

Country

TV channel/live stream

United Kingdom

N/A

United States

Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo

Canada

N/A

Iraq have no injury concerns and Jesus Casas could name an unchanged starting lineup from the 3-1 victory over Indonesia.

Iraq predicted lineup vs Japan (4-2-3-1):Hasan; Ali, Natiq, Adnan, Doski; Rashid, Al-Ammari; Bayesh, Iqbal, Jasim; Ali.

Takefusa Kubo has been nursing a muscle injury but was named on the bench for Japan's opener against Vietnam. The Real Sociedad star should be in contention to start on Friday.

Takehiro Tomiyasu was absent on Matchday 1 but the Arsenal defender is another who could come into the starting XI. Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma isn't expected to feature until the tournament's latter stages.

Hiroki Ito is a doubt after picking up a muscle injury last time out.

Japan predicted lineup vs Iraq (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Suguwara, Itakura, Taniguchi, Tomiyasu; Endo, Morita; Kubo, Minamino, Nakamura; Ueda.

While Japan are superior, this is undoubtedly their toughest group fixture. Iraq are full of confidence