Yokohama F.Marinos vs Al-Ain Prediction: Hosts Tipped To Draw First Blood

An uphill battle goes underway as Japanese survivalists Yokohama F.Marinos skirmishes against The Bosses of Al-Ain, drawing the final curtains to the pulchritudinous silverware. Beating their respective destinies into shape by contravening gloom-ridden tendencies of rivaling squads (now eliminated) getting tipped over them, the duo set the ball in play for the first leg of the concluding fracas at the vaunted Nissan grounds. Testing troubled waters for the first time this century, Al-Ain plays as the guest against the Tri-Colors despite victory being a hard sell for either side. Who deserves this round’s advantage: Fabled Yokohama or the odds-defying Saudi Arabian side Al-Ain?

The Tricolor has no more excuses, with the first round of the tournament’s finals being played on familiar territory. Fans of the Nissan-sponsored side are enraptured ahead of this clash as they delve into the contest as the fourth team from Japan to participate this late in the tournament. Yokohama defeated the previous champions of the Korean elite league, Ulsan Hyundai, on penalties (5-4) after an aggregate 3-3 score to earn their place in the concluding draw. With support from the team’s enthusiasts and vivid pictures of glory, Yokohama, who have sacrificed their current campaign for this game, are desperate to be owners of the silverware, even if their domestic run this season may be in shambles.

Far from home in the Middle East, Al-Ain brings the concluding thrill of the tournament to foreign territory, profaning the odds of defeat as they set to establish advantage against fellow irrepressible side Yokohama. Al-Ain survived Al-Hilal’s onslaught in the semifinals after concocting a marginal two-goal advantage in the 4-2 score reading of the first leg, which the favored Al-Hilal side couldn't effectively cushion despite the 2-1 win in the second leg. Al-Ain has been full of surprises from the start of the competition, being one of the sides tipped to be disqualified from the elimination rounds. It goes without saying that their opponents may be stunned, depending on the pedigree of play initiated by the side, whom they have no previous experience with.

Although the two sides have not clashed recently, Al-Ain registered goals eight times in ten recent tournaments. On the other hand, Yokohama is knee-deep in the lower section of their domestic league despite scoring goals in ALL of their recent showings.

The two sides are avid contenders for this trophy, and although this game counts as one of those fixtures where pitch familiarity may not be a determining factor of victory, Yokohama’s home advantage gives them a presumed advantage over the first round. These are our suggestions:

• Firstly, we tip Yokohama to score at least two goals in this game, given that this is their best chance at cushioning future surprises from the visiting side, which actively plays the part of the sneaky underdog. As such, An Over 2.5 goal rating seems like the highest eventuality for the game. 1xbet renders this tip at 1.78 odds.
• Al-Ain has always shown a spirit of retaliation during this tournament. A BTTS seems modest in consideration of the team’s fighting spirit despite the humongous odds of playing Yokohama for the first time. Betway brings this alternative at 1.64 odds.
• Lastly, we factor in Yokohama’s home advantage and nudge them as the side to likely take advantage in the first leg of the game. Bet365 settles this option at 1.85 odds.

 Keep it real, mate.