Saturday's Asian Cup predictions including Iran vs. Japan

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 03 February 2024

Sports Mole provides score predictions and previews for all of today's Asian Cup fixtures, including Iran vs. Japan.

Iran vs. Japan (Saturday, 11.30am)

Alireza Beiranvand celebrate with teammates after Iran defeated Syria at the Asian Cup © Reuters

In a rematch of the 2019 Asian Cup semi-finals, Iran and Japan will square off in the last eight of that competition on Saturday at Education City Stadium.

In the round of 16, Team Melli survived a nail-biter, playing to a 1-1 draw with Syria but advancing on penalties, while the Japanese defeated Bahrain 3-1.

We say: Iran 1-3 Japan

Given the injury concerns on the back end for Iran, the Samurai Blue could find their share of openings in the attacking third, while Iran might have difficulty scoring without the services of Taremi.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

Qatar vs. Uzbekistan (Saturday, 3.30pm)

Hassan Al-Haydos in action for Qatar at the Asian Cup © Reuters

Uzbekistan can reach the Asian Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2011 with a victory over the hosts Qatar on Saturday at Al Bayt Stadium.

In their round of 16 clash, Qatar came from behind to defeat Palestine 2-1, while the White Wolves eliminated Thailand by that same score.

We say: Qatar 1-2 Uzbekistan (extra-time)

The smart money may be on Qatar, given their record in these knockout fixtures, but they have been put under duress quite a bit at this tournament.

That, along with the overall quality and resilience of their opponents, is why we are giving Uzbekistan a slight edge, as they have shown plenty of consistency and poise under pressure.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match