Japan vs. Senegal
- When: Sunday 24 June
- Kick-off time: 4pm
- Where: Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg
- TV channel: live on BBC One
After victories in their first group matches Japan and Senegal go into Sunday’s clash knowing that a win will secure a spot in the World Cup round of 16.
Japan, who beat Colombia 2-1, could bring in Leicester City striker Shinji Okazaki to face Senegal. After suffering from a calf injury Okazaki came on as a late sub against Colombia, but the BBC reports that Yuya Osako is likely to start as the lone striker against Senegal.
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The west Africans impressed in their 2-1 victory against Poland but could also make a change in attack. Mame Diouf started against Poland but Senegal may opt for Moussa Konate or Moussa Sow.
Japan vs. Senegal predicted starting XIs
How the teams could line up at the Ekaterinburg Arena, according to Fifa.com:
- Japan (4-5-1): Eiji Kawashima; Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Gen Shoji, Yuto Nagatomo; Makoto Hasebe, Gaku Shibasaki, Genki Haraguchi, Shinji Kagawa, Takashi Inui; Yuya Osako
- Senegal (4-4-2): Khadim Ndiaye; Moussa Wague, Salif Sane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Lamine Gassama; Ismaila Sarr, Alfred Ndiaye, Idrissa Gane Gueye, Sadio Mane; Mame Diouf, Mbaye Niang
Group H results, fixtures and live TV channels
- Colombia 1 Japan 2
- Poland 1 Senegal 2
- 24 June: Japan vs. Senegal (4pm, BBC); Poland vs. Colombia (7pm, ITV)
- 28 June: Senegal vs. Colombia (3pm, BBC); Japan vs. Poland (3pm, BBC)