Japan vs Sweden Predicted Lineups & Team News

Japan take on Sweden in a straight shootout for second place in World Cup Group F in the early hours of Friday morning. 

The Samurai Blue currently lie second with four points, while the Swedes are third on three having won their opening match before losing to the Netherlands.

Here's all the team news, key players and predicted lineups ahead of the game.

Japan

Takefusa Kubo has a knee problem picked up following a hefty collision with Denzel Dumfries in the opening game draw with the Netherlands.

The Real Sociedad winger has been ruled out of Friday's meeting with Sweden, but has returned to individual training and will be ready should Japan reach the knockout stages.

Shuto Machino, who replaced injured Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, missed the 4-0 victory over Tunisia with illness but it is hoped he will have recovered in time for the third group match.

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu made four changes to the side that drew with the Netherlands for the win against Tunisia, making smart use of his squad.

The switches paid off, so the Samurai Blue coach is expected to stick with the same backline that kept a clean sheet last time out.

Sweden

Sweden boss Graham Potter doesn't have any injury problems to worry about but will be wondering whether to make any changes to his side.

Taking on the Netherlands in the second group game, Potter stuck with the same XI who beat Tunisia 5-1 in the opener but saw his team lose by the scoreline in Houston.

Anthony Elanga came off the bench and scored a consolation, so will be hoping he has done enough to earn a start, while Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall has also been subbed on in both group matches and may have staked a claim to play from the beginning against Japan.

Following a debut season with Liverpool disrupted by injury, Alexander Isak trained alone after the win over Tunisia as part of his individual recovery plan and completed the 90 minutes against the Dutch.

The striker will again lead the line in a fearsome front two with Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres. Both attackers netted in the win over Tunisia and will be eager to add to their tallies.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Japan vs Sweden Odds over on betfred.com

Japans vs Sweden Key Players:

Ritsu Doan (Japan)

Ritsu Doan is one of Japan's most influential players and has already delivered on the big stage, scoring in the 2022 World Cup wins over Spain and Germany.

Boasting supreme skill and an ability to cause damage by cutting in from the right, the Eintracht Frankfurt right winger will look to push Sweden back and create chances for Ayase Ueda.

With 11 goals in 67 games for the Japan national team, Doan will be aiming to get his name on the scoresheet as Japan push to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for a fourth time.

Alexander Isak (Sweden)

Sweden's attack is among the best in the world with Alexander Isak the star man and forming a formidable strike partnership with Gyokeres.

The forward has netted 18 goals in 60 games for his country, scoring the second goal in the comprehensive group opener with Tunisia.

After a difficult domestic campaign due to fitness issues, Isak will be glad to be fit and firing and will aim to score the goals required to help Sweden progress to the knockouts.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com