Urawa Red Diamonds vs Avispa Fukuoka Prediction: The Reds Won't Have It Easy In Their Bid To Secure Maximum Points

Urawa Red Diamonds will welcome Avispa Fukuoka to the Saitama Stadium in the fifth round of the J1 League. 

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Urawa Red Diamonds

Urawa Red Diamonds had the opportunity to make it back-to-back victories last time out against Shonan Bellmare, but the chance slipped through their fingers as their squandered one-goal lead resulted in a dramatic 4-4 draw.

This marked their second draw of the season, having played out a 1-1 draw at home against Tokyo Verdy, a side located in the bottom two in the J1 League standings. The Reds have endured a sluggish start to the season, securing one victory in their last four matches (D2 L1), and will be vying for a favorable outcome in this matchup. 

With five points accumulated from four matches played, the Urawa Red Diamonds currently sit in twelfth place in the J1 League standings and have maintained a two-point lead over the relegation zone. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

S. Nishikawa; R. Watanabe, M. Høibråten, Y. Sato, H. Sakai; T. Sekine, S. Gustafson, A. Ito; Y. Koizumi, S. Koroki, N. Maeda

Avispa Fukuoka

Avispa Fukuoka, on the other hand, was brought back down to earth by FC Tokyo, falling prey to a convincing 3-1 defeat in front of their supporters. Daiki Matsuoka's goal in the 82nd minute served as a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing match.

Following this defeat, which was their first loss of the season, Avispa Fukuoka's three-match unbeaten run in the league unfortunately came to a halt, and they enter this match with the aim to bounce back to winning ways against a side they have defeated in their last two encounters. 

With 5 points accumulated from four matches played, Avispa Fukuoka currently sits in thirteenth place in the J1 League standings, two points ahead of the relegation zone and five points adrift of first-placed Machida Zelvia. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-2-1

T. Nagaishi; S. Inoue, T. Nara, M. Tashiro; Y. Maejima, M. Shigemi, H. Mae, I. Oda; K. Konno, T. Kanamori; Wellington

Match Facts

• Urawa Red Diamonds have won one of their last seven matches across all competitions.
• Avispa Fukuoka are currently on a three-match winning streak when playing away in the J1 League, a run that extends to the previous season.
• Urawa Red Diamonds averages 1.4 goals per game when playing at home, and Avispa Fukuoka averages 1.2 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 16 meetings, Urawa Red Diamonds have won 9 times, Avispa Fukuoka have won 3 times, and there have been 4 draws, with the goal difference being 24-13 in favor of Urawa Red Diamonds.

Expert Betting Tips

Urawa Red Diamonds have not gotten off to the best start this season, as they boast a single win in their last four league matches played. They lock horns with a side that they have failed to defeat in their last five matches (D3 L2), indicating that this won't be a straightforward win despite boasting home advantage at their disposal. 

Considering that the away side has scored in three of their last four league matches, coupled with the home side's defensive shortcomings, we expect to see goals at both ends of the pitch in what will turn out to be an entertaining affair.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 2.20
• Total - Over 2 for 1.85
• Total Corners - Over 9.5 for 1.84