Australia vs Japan prediction, H2H and probable line-ups - 5 June 2025
The ninth round of the Asian World Cup qualifying tournament will take place on Thursday at Optus Stadium in Perth, as Australia hosts Japan. I'm offering a bet on goals in this clash with an attractive odds.
Match preview
Australia still hasn't secured their ticket and are forced to play at their peak. Victories over Indonesia (5-1) and China (2-0) have slightly improved their position, but before that, they went on a three-match winless streak, raising concerns about the team's consistency. Furthermore, for the June fixtures, the Socceroos will have to do without their captain, Jackson Irvine, who is sidelined with an injury.
Nevertheless, Australia remains one of the most prolific sides at home, averaging 2.8 goals per match in the current qualifiers. Popovic’s squad is physically strong, makes good use of set pieces, and will look to capitalize on the opponent’s weakened line-up. With the support of their home crowd and genuine motivation to avoid the play-offs, the hosts certainly won’t be sitting back in defense.
Japan, in contrast to the Australians, have already secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup, clinching first place in Group C with games to spare, and can now afford to experiment. Hajime Moriyasu intends to rest several key players, including Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma, indicating a shift in motivation and a focus on testing the squad’s depth.
Even so, the Japanese remain a formidable machine: 24 goals scored and just 2 conceded in 8 rounds – the best record among all Asian qualifiers. Away from home, the Samurai Blue are especially ruthless – their last six away games ended in victories, five of which came with three or more goals scored.
Probable line-ups
- Australia: Ryan M., Djerijia J., Degenek M., Burgess K., Miller L., Aiden O'Neill, Tighe R., Behich A., Boyle M., Velupillai N., Borrello B.
- Japan: Suzuki Dz., Sugawara Y., Itakura K., Ito H., Takai K., Endo W., Tanaka A., Nakamura K., Doan R., Kamida D., Maeda D.
Match facts and head-to-head
- The last head-to-head between Australia and Japan ended in a 1-1 draw
- Japan are unbeaten in qualifying and have conceded just 2 goals in 8 games
- Australia have scored 2 or more goals in 4 of their last 5 home games
Prediction
Both sides approach this game with different mindsets: Japan already booked their World Cup ticket and are rotating, while Australia have the motivation and home advantage. Still, both teams’ stats point to high-scoring matches, particularly when they face each other. Given Japan’s attacking style even with an experimental squad and the hosts’ need to go for the win, we can expect an open and action-packed game. Our bet: "Over 2.0 total goals" at odds of 1.71.
