KUALA LUMPUR: Four-time champions Japan and world No. 23 South Korea are the favourites to win the Asian Cup in Doha, according to sports observer Datuk Richard Scully.
The former Penang goalkeeper also picked world No. 68 Uzbekistan as a team who could upset the form book.
"I wouldn't be surprised if world No. 17 Japan win the title as the highest-ranked team in the continent. Japan have improved a lot in terms of development and structure and are my pick to win, although Korea are also a strong contender," Richard said.
"Of course, I will only be supporting Malaysia, and I hope they will go far."
Japan are likely to breeze past their Group D opponents, Iraq, Indonesia and Vietnam, to reach the second round, while Son Heung Min-led Korea are in Group E with Bahrain, Jordan and Malaysia.
Touching on Uzbekistan, who are in Group B with former champions Australia, Syria and India, Richard said: "The White Wolves are the dark horses of the tournament.
"They have good mental strength and attitude, and are showing decent results in youth tournaments.
"For example, in last year's Under-17 World Cup, Uzbekistan emerged as Asia's top-performing team by reaching the quarter-finals. It is an indication that football in that country is improving."