Spain head into their final group game knowing a point would be enough to see them through to the last-16, while Japan will secure their place with victory.
La Roja have enjoyed a good tournament so far, beginning with a 7-0 humiliation of Costa Rica, before drawing 1-1 with Germany.
They will have been frustrated at the manner of the equalising goal, but the standard of football they played against Costa Rica will have made other teams sit up and take notice.
Japan shocked Germany 2-1 in the opening game, but a meek 1-0 loss to Costa Rica last time means they have work to do if they want to make the knockout stages.
A win would take them through, while a draw may be enough depending on the result of the Germany v Costa Rica game.
Japan vs Spain Betting Tips
- Spain to win to nil @ 5/4
- Alvaro Morata to score last @ 3/1
Team news
Japan have a few injury problems coming into this game, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Sakai both doubtful with hamstring injuries, while midfielder Wataru Endo has had to sit out training due to a knee issue.
Captain Maya Yoshida is set to win his 125th cap at the heart of the defence while Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano - the scorers against Germany - will be pushing for starts out wide.
Young playmaker Gavi is a doubt for Spain after sitting out of their recent training sessions due to a minor injury.
Experienced midfielder Sergio Busquets is likely to be rested as he is one yellow card away from a suspension, meaning Manchester City's Rodri could step into midfield after playing in defence for the first two games.
Striker Alvaro Morata will hope to start after scoring off the bench in his first two games of the tournament.
Latest Japan vs Spain Betfred Odds
Spain to win to nil @ 5/4
Spain are in good form currently, having only lost one game in 2022 and their 7-0 thumping of Costa Rica means other teams may fear them in attack.
A win would see them top the group and that will be the aim for Luis Enrique's side who are looking to win their second World Cup after the 2010 triumph.
The Spaniards are likely to dominate possession meaning chances could be hard to come by for Japan.
Spain have kept clean sheets in five of their 11 matches this year, while Japan looked fairly toothless n their 1-0 loss to Costa Rica.
They'll be hoping to find a route to goal on the counter-attack, but the experience in the Spanish midfield and defence should aid them well here.
Alvaro Morata to score last @ 3/1
Morata offers Spain something different off the bench as he is an orthodox centre-forward who can hold the ball up.
His physical presence could be used to good effect against a tiring Japanese defence and he has proven very effective so far.
His record for Spain is excellent with 29 goals in 59 caps and La Roja will be hoping he can make a difference as a substitute once again.
World Cup Betting Odds
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