Vissel Kobe vs Avispa Fukuoka Prediction: Can Fukuoka Outwit The Defending Champions At Noevir Stadium?

Vissel Kobe will welcome Avispa Fukuoka to the Noevir Stadium in the 14th round of the J1 League. 

Let's have a look at the latest J1 League between Vissel Kobe vs. Avispa Fukuoka, probable lineups, match facts, and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Form: WWWLW

A trip to Yodoko Sakura Stadium over the weekend to lock horns with Cerezo Osaka was like shooting fish in a barrel for Vissel Kobe, who netted four times to secure a comfortable 4-1 victory.

The defending champions have lived up to expectations and are on course for another prosperous season based on their eight wins from the last thirteen league matches. They have laid the foundation as the most formidable opponent in the league, recording three consecutive wins and outscoring their opponents 9-2. However, it's worth noting that they suffered one loss in their last six matches while winning five during this run.

With 26 points accumulated from 13 matches, Vissel Kobe holds the top spot in the J1 League standings, level on points with second-placed Machida Zelvia. 

Formation: 4-3-3

D. Maekawa; Y. Honda, M. Thuler, T. Yamakawa, G. Sakai; H. Ide, T. Ogihara, H. Yamaguchi; J. Patric, Y. Osako, Y. Muto

Form: WDWDD

Avispa Fukuoka, on the other hand, returned to winning ways at the expense of Kyoto Sanga, recording a hard-fought 3-2 triumph on the road, marking their fourth win of the season. 

In light of this result, their confidence reignited, especially when playing away from home, considering they were on a three-match winless run (D2, L1). Despite this, they have been a difficult side to beat in their last five matches, recording two wins and two draws, with the only blemish being a 2-1 defeat to the Urawa Red Diamonds. 

With 19 points accumulated from 13 matches, Avispa Fukuoka sits in ninth place in the J1 League standings, level on points with eighth-placed and tenth-placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Nagoya Grampus, while a three-point deficit separates them from fourth-placed FC Tokyo.

Formation: 3-4-2-1

M. Murakami; M. Tashiro, T. Nara, D. Grolli; Y. Iwasaki, H. Mae, D. Matsuoka, M. Yuzawa; R. Sato, K. Konno; S. Zahedi

• Vissel Kobe has won three consecutive matches against Avispa Fukuoka.
• Avispa Fukuoka have maintained an eight-match unbeaten run in the J1 League.
• Vissel Kobe averages 1.67 goals per game when playing at home, and Avispa Fukuoka averages 1 goal per game when playing away.

In the last 17 meetings, Vissel Kobe has won eight times, Avispa Fukuoka has won two times, and there have been seven draws, with the goal difference being 22-8 in favor of Vissel Kobe.

Avispa Fukuoka could be in for a tough 90 minutes in their bid to extend their winning run in the league to two matches as they go up against a side that has gotten the better of them in their last three matches (L3). However, they'll be counting on their away form in the league, which has seen them stubborn as mule to walk away with a favorable outcome.

However, the odds are in favor of the defending champions in this one, and we feel they will be able to avoid defeat in their own backyard, thus supporting them to win or draw combined with the total under 2.5 goals.

• 1X & TU 2.5 for 1.78
• Corners - Over 9 for 1.66
• 1st Half - X for 1.94