Everything's still very much up in the air in Pool B, definitely the pool of surprises and after Japan's shock win over the Springboks. But, will we see another? Japan need a win over the USA and a Samoan favour if they're to progress to the knockouts; while the possibility of the quarters is still in existence, they're also still in danger of a fourth-place finish if it goes completely wrong. It's all very complicated but it's all still to play for.

Team news

Not only will history be made by Japan again if they do in fact qualify for the quarters, but they're set to make even more when Craig Wing becomes their oldest Rugby World Cup debutant at 35. Wing is one of four changes made to the side that beat Samoa, with Eddie Jones selecting Hiroshi Yamashita over Kensuke Hatakeyama. Yoshikazu Fujita also comes in on the wing for Akihito Yamada, who drops out of the match-day 23.

The USA are fielding a much changed side to the side that lost to South Africa on Wednesday, with only Samu Manoa and Zach Test retaining their starting place. Chris Wyles, who's set to captain the side, will equal Mike MacDonald's World Cup appearance record when he makes his 11th World Cup cap.

Japan: Keita Inagaki, Shota Horie, Hiroshi Yamashita, Luke Thompson, Justin Ives, Michael Leitch (captain), Michael Broadhurst, Ryu Koliniasi Holani, Fumiaki Tanaka, Kosei Ono, Kotaro Matsushima, Craig Wing, Harumichi Tatekawa, Yoshikazu Fujita, Ayumu Goromaru.

Replacements: Takeshi Kizu, Masataka Mikami, Kensuke Hatakeyama, Shinya Makabe, Amanaki Lelei Mafi, Hendrik Tui, Atsushi Hiwasa, Karne Hesketh.

USA: Eric Fry, Zach Fenoglio, Titi Lamositele, Hayden Smith, Greg Peterson, Al McFarland, Andrew Durutalo, Samu Manoa, Mike Petri, AJ MacGinty, Zach Test, Thretton Palamo, Seamus Kelly, Takudzwa Ngwenya, Chris Wyles (captain).

Replacements: Phil Thiel, Oli Kilifi, Chris Baumann, Cam Dolan, John Quill, Danny Barrett, Niku Kruger, Folau Niua.

Key head-to-head battle

The battle of the full-backs. Ayumu Goromaru has topped a lot of headlines at this year's tournament, and already he has 45 points to his name after three games - third in the top points-scorer list. Chris Wyles at the opposite end of the field has 28 points in Rugby World Cup history and any extras from him will place him outright second in Eagles history behind Mike Hercus' 77. It'll be interesting to see who emerges on top between the two 15s. 

Key stats

* The two sides met earlier this year in the Pacific Nations Cup, with USA beating Japan 23-18

* USA have met Japan in 21 Tests, with the Brave Blossoms emerging victorious just eight times

* USA's 39-26 victory over Japan in the 2003 World Cup was their biggest winning margin in the competition's history

Odds

Unibet are offering an American win at 27/5, with the other option of a Japanese victory priced at 1/8.

Weather

Clouds will hang over Gloucester during the morning, but they'll disappear by kick-off and Kingsholm will be treated to clear skies and sunshine and 15 Celsius.

Prediction

The Eagles won't be lacking motivation as they'll be desperate not to finish pointless and rock bottom of the pool, but Eddie Jones' side have been impressive so far and they've displayed enough in this tournament to show they're capable of turning their previous loss to the Eagles on its head. Japan by 10 points.