Germany v Japan predictions: Hansi Flick's flock can get off to a flyer

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Germany v Japan in World Cup Group E on Wednesday.

Where to watch

ITV1, 1pm Wednesday

Best bet

Germany and over 2.5 goals
1pt 11-10 general

Germany's attacking strength was clear to see when they wrapped up their Nations League campaign with a 3-3 draw with England at Wembley and they should have too much firepower for a defensively suspect Japan, who could be on the wrong end of a high-scoring defeat.

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Match preview

Germany's World Cup defence at Russia 2018 was over by the end of the group stage but they can do much better in Qatar, starting with a high-scoring victory over Japan in Al Rayyan.

The last World Cup felt like it should have been the end of an era for the Germans, who bowed out after a 2-0 loss to South Korea, but instead of changing direction, they stuck with Joachim Low for a further three years.

Low built an exciting team who were initially hugely successful and always great to watch, but they had developed a lot of defensive flaws in the last few years of his reign.

Germany's unconvincing Euro 2020 challenge came to an end with 2-0 loss to England in the round of 16 and, at that stage, it seemed unlikely that they would swiftly re-emerge as credible World Cup contenders.

However, progress was soon made under Low's replacement Hansi Flick, who steered the Germans to seven successful World Cup qualifying wins.

Germany's critics were given some more ammunition when they experienced mixed results in the Nations League – winning one, drawing four and losing one – but it would be a mistake to read too much into those games.

A lot of big teams were less than fully committed to Nations League matches in a World Cup year, including England who left their disappointments behind them by thumping Iran 6-2 on Monday.

It is quite possible that Germany could do something similar.

Japan outperformed Germany at the last World Cup by reaching the round of 16 and almost went a step further.

The Blue Samurai led Belgium 2-0 in the knockout stages before conceding three goals in the final half hour, but they were unable to protect their advantage.

Improved defending is a must for them in Qatar because the Japanese could not have been handed a much tougher draw.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu steered Japan comfortably through the Asian qualifying process, although they finished second to Saudi Arabia.

Japan have some talented attacking players.

Monaco forward Takumi Minamino has scored 17 goals in 44 internationals, Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma has looked lively in the Premier League and attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada has shone during Eintracht Frankfurt's Champions League campaign.

Japan have the tools to cause Germany problems and perhaps get on the scoresheet, but their defence, anchored by 34-year-old Schalke veteran Maya Yoshida, could get picked apart.

Germany racked up 36 goals in qualifying and their four-pronged attack - featuring Bayern Munich trio Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala - is full of pace, vision and technical ability.

Chelsea's Kai Havertz often gets to take part in or finish off the superb approach play and he can play his part in a convincing success.

Key stat

Each of Germany's last four competitive wins have been by three or more goals.

Team news

Germany
Leroy Sane is expected to miss out but Niclas Fullkrug is available after illness.

Japan
Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo are in contention but Hidemasa Morita is a doubt.

Probable teams

Germany (4-2-3-1) Neuer; Kehrer, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Kimmich, Gundogan; Gnabry, Muller, Musiala; Havertz.

Japan (4-3-3): Gonda; Yamane, Tomiyasu, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Morita, Endo, Kamada; Minamino, Maeda, Mitoma.

Inside info

Germany

Top scorer in probable team Thomas Muller
Star player Manuel Neuer
Penalty taker Ilkay Gundogan
Assist ace Serge Gnabry
Set-piece aerial threat Antonio Rudiger
Card magnet Nico Schlotterbeck

Japan

Top scorer in probable team Takumi Minamino
Star player Daichi Kamada
Penalty taker Takumi Minamino
Assist ace Daichi Kamada
Set-piece aerial threat Maya Yoshida
Card magnet Yuto Nagatomo

Germany v Japan Bet Builder

Germany to win Germany reeled off seven successive World Cup qualifying wins under Hansi Flick and their high-class attack can make the difference in their Group E opener.

Kai Havertz to score Eight of Kai Havertz's ten international goals have come in the last 20 months and another is likely to follow against the Japanese.

Over 3.5 goals Japan might struggle to keep their opponents at bay but they have some decent attacking players and can contribute to a high-scoring outcome.

Price guide 9-2

Match information

Stadium Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
Fifa rankings Germany 11, Japan 24
Weather Sunny intervals, 27C

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