**Japan rolls in as the heavy favorite here** — they've won two of their last five and drew twice against Ecuador recently, while the visitors are limping in off three losses in four. 🇯🇵

Ecuador's defensive troubles are showing: three straight defeats including a pair of 2-0 shellackings to Mexico and South Korea. Japan's clicking at home with wins over Uruguay and a solid draw against Sweden. This feels like a mismatch waiting to happen.

Key storylines:

- **Japan's home comfort** vs an Ecuador side that's conceded multiple goals in consecutive away games
- **Defensive depth issues for Ecuador** with key players like G. Plata sidelined, forcing J. Porozo and W. Pacho to shoulder the load
- **Japan's midfield control** through K. Sano and D. Kamada could dominate possession and create space for **A. Ueda** and **R. Doan** up front

Expected lineups:

- **Japan**: Z. Suzuki, D. Maeda, H. Itō, S. Taniguchi, T. Tomiyasu, K. Sano, D. Kamada, A. Tanaka, K. Nakamura, A. Ueda, R. Doan
- **Ecuador**: G. Valle, P. Hincapié, W. Pacho, J. Ordóñez, J. Porozo, P. Estupiñán, P. Vite, M. Caicedo, N. Angulo, J. Yeboah, E. Valencia

Prediction:

**Japan 3–0 Ecuador**

Home edge, superior form, and Ecuador's shaky backline make this a clear lean toward the hosts.