Jubilo Iwata vs Vissel Kobe Prediction: How Will Kobe's Title Defense Turn Out This Season?

The start of the J1 League's latest season will see newly promoted Jubilo Iwata square off against the reigning champions, Vissel Kobe, at the Yamaha Stadium.

Let's have a look at the latest J1 League predictions between Jubilo Iwata vs. Vissel Kobe, match facts, head-to-head statistics, and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Despite enduring a difficult journey in the previous season of the J2 League, Jubilo Iwata, at the end of the day, managed to earn themselves automatic promotion to the top flight after a year down in the second tier. They finished second with 75 points, behind third-placed Tokyo Verdy. 

Familiar with the top flight, as it has been their domain in recent years, Jubilo Iwata have clinched the J1 League trophy three times during their spell from 1994 to 2013 and will fancy their chances of causing an upset in their debut season by making it four. In preparation for the upcoming competitive matches, Jubilo Iwata engaged in one friendly game. They clinched a commanding 4-0 victory over Kagoshima United and will enter their first competitive match of the season with optimism, hoping to carry the momentum forward and kick off the season on a positive note.

On the flip side, Vissel Kobe made history in their preceding J1 League season as they clinched their first ever league title in club history with a game to spare. They finished atop the J1 League standings with 71 points, holding an unassailable seven-point lead over second-placed Yokohama F. Marinos. 

In preparation for the upcoming competitive matches, Vissel Kobe engaged in a friendly match against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, winning 4-3 on penalties. However, this followed a 1-0 defeat to Kawasaki Frontale in the Super Cup final to wrap up preparations on a somber note.

• Jubilo Iwata have lost just one of their last 15 home matches across all competitions.
• Vissel Kobe have won seven of their last nine matches across all competitions.
• Jubilo Iwata averages 1.7 goals per game when playing at home, and Vissel Kobe averages 1.2 goals per game when playing away.

In the last 31 meetings, Jubilo Iwata have won 10 times, Vissel Kobe have won 16 times, and there have been 5 draws, with the goal difference being 55-39 in favor of Vissel Kobe. 

Jubilo Iwata faces a challenging endeavor in their inaugural J1 League match, aiming to secure victory against reigning champions Vissel Kobe in their first home game of the season. Their last home win against the reigning champions was in 2017, and they could likely struggle for a favorable outcome in this one.

Therefore, we anticipate the visitors to come out on top in this one and start their title defense on a positive note by backing them up in the double chance market to win or draw combined with the total under 3.5, which should surface.

• 2X & TU 3.5 for 1.61
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.80
• Total Corners - Over 9.5 for 1.74