Japan vs Spain prediction: How will World Cup 2022 fixture play out?

Spain and Japan face off as Group E comes to a close at the World Cup in Qatar.

Japan know they must win here after coming unstuck against Costa Rica last time out, but Luis Enrique’s side should still be motivated after a 1-1 draw with Germany and La Roja know a win is key to securing top spot.

“There was a strange feeling in the changing room because we had the opportunity to beat Germany and we let it slip through our hands and that was a shame,” Luis Enrique said ahead of the match.

FOLLOW LIVE: Japan vs Spain - latest World Cup updates

“But we have to think that we are at the top of the so-called Group of Death and we have to stay positive. A draw against Japan on Thursday would probably send us through to knock-outs but we will not speculate. We will use our full strength and go for the win to secure the top in the group standings.” Here’s everything you need to know.

When is Japan vs Spain?

Japan vs Spain is scheduled for a 7pm GMT kick-off on Thursday, 1 December at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

What TV channel is it on and how can I watch online?

The match will be televised in the UK on ITV, with coverage beginning at 6.15pm.

A live stream can be found on ITVX or the ITV website, alternatively check by with Independent Sport here to find live minute-by-minute updates.

What is the team news?

Japan have doubts over Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Sakai due to hamstring injuries, while a knee injury could prevent Wataru Endo from playing, with Ao Tanaka or Gaku Shibasaki likely to step in.

Spain’s Barcelona starlet Gavi, 18, is a doubt after skipping training with a minor knock. While Luis Enrique could rest Sergio Busquets, given his captain is one booking away from a suspension.

That means the likes of Koke, Carlos Soler and Marcos Llorente are all in contention to start their first match in Qatar.

Although, Manchester City’s Rodri could revert to his preferred role in midfield after filling in at centre-back, which would release Pau Torres or Eric Garcia to partner up with Aymeric Laporte at the back.

Alvaro Morata is in contention to start after his second strike off the bench in as many games. His inclusion would likely come at the expense of either Ferran Torres or Marco Asensio, with Dani Olmo also poised to start.

Confirmed line-ups

Japan XI: Gonda; Itakura, Yoshia, Taniguchi; Ito, Morita, Tanaka, Nagatomo; Kamada, Maeda, Kubo

Spain XI: Simon; Azpilicueta, Rodri, Pau Torres, Balde; Busquets, Pedri, Gavi; Williams, Morata, Olmo

Odds

Japan: 8/1

Draw: 4/1

Spain: 1/3

Prediction

Japan need this more, but Spain can pick them off even with some heavy rotation. The win is still key to clinch top spot, so I expect Luis Enrique’s side to get the job done here, perhaps by more than a goal with Hajime Moriyasu’s side punished on the break as they chase the game late. Japan 1-3 Spain.