Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Getting their World Cup preparations underway on Saturday evening, Scotland will welcome Japan to Hampden for a friendly showdown.
Scotland
Starting with the hosts, set to make their first World Cup appearance this summer, Scotland certainly find the mood in their camp at an iconic high. Signing off their qualifying adventure with a famous 4-2 victory at home against Denmark back in November, Steve Clarke’s side have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Embarking on a sensational Group C romp, the Tartan Army won four of their final five qualifying appearances and they have shattered a string of long-standing records. Showing no signs of a hangover following on from their Nations League frustration 12 months ago, the former Kilmarnock boss will be calling on his high-flying squad to get their World Cup preparations underway with an early statement of intent at Hampden.
Scotland Team News
19-year-old Rangers loanee Findlay Curtis has received a maiden senior call-up and could earn a first international cap over the next week. Likewise, Angus Gunn has been recalled by Clarke and returns in place of the injured 43-year-old Craig Gordon.
Despite not featuring over the past month after dealing with an injury issue, veteran defender Grant Hanley has also been included in Scotland’s squad. However, Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland remains on the sidelines as he recovers from a muscle injury.
Japan
As for the visitors, also getting their respective World Cup preparations underway this weekend, Japan have rightfully gained a reputation for their rugged approach. Signing off 2025 in the midst of what had become an iconic run of form, the Samurai Blue will travel over to North America this summer smelling the chance to spring a real upset. Securing an iconic 3-2 victory against South American heavyweights Brazil back in October, Hajime Moriyasu’s side breezed their way through qualifying and didn’t need to get out of third gear. In fact, signing off their qualifying charge with a thumping 6-0 win against Indonesia last summer, Japan have lost just a pair of their previous 22 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to February 2024.
Japan Team News
While Zion Suzuki might have only recently returned from a finger issue, the Parma goalkeeper has been included in Japan’s squad this month. Making a permanent switch to Dutch giants Ajax during the January window, ex-Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu will feature here.
Making 21 Premier League appearances for Leeds this season, Ao Tanaka should earn a 36th international cap on Saturday evening. Likewise, despite notching just a sole strike so far this calendar year, Celtic striker Daizen Maeda should spearhead Japan’s attack at Hampden this weekend.
Scotland vs Japan Key Factors to Consider
- The last time Scotland and Japan last met for a friendly showdown back in October 2009, Saturday’s guests claimed a 2-0 victory.
- Scotland won four of their final five World Cup qualifying appearances last year.
- The Tartan Army registered 13 goals in those five consecutive qualifying appearances.
- Japan have lost just a pair of their previous 22 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to February 2024.
- Including a famous 3-2 win against Brazil back in October, Japan won all of their final three appearances of 2025 by an aggregate score of 8-2.
- Scotland’s last five showdowns at Hampden have produced 20 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Two camps who will get their respective World Cup preparations underway this weekend, we could be set for an intriguing battle from Hampden. While Scotland might have signed off 2025 in the midst of a record-breaking run, they will meet a Japanese squad who have continued to claim some iconic scalps. Springing an almighty upset back in October as they secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against South American giants Brazil, the Samurai Blue had also found a real clinical edge in the final third. With Scotland’s last five showdowns at Hampden producing 20 goals at both ends of the pitch, we are expecting an enjoyable contest on Saturday evening.
Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
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