Cerezo Osaka vs Gamba Osaka Prediction: Expecting To See Fireworks In The Osaka Derby

Cerezo Osaka will welcome Gamba Osaka to the Yodoko Sakura Stadium in the 31st round of the J1 League.

With a four-match winless run hanging above their heads, Cerezo Osaka will be hoping to put an end to that negative run with a hard-fought win against a side that is low on confidence after losing two consecutive away matches in the league.

Let's have a look at the latest J1 League between Cerezo Osaka vs. Gamba Osaka, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Cerezo Osaka

Form: DLLLW

Cerezo Osaka made the trip to Hiroshima Big Arch Stadium to lock horns with Sanfrecce in the 30th round of the J1 League. Despite being underdogs, they were able to score themselves a point in a goalless draw. This was the first time since 2014 that they were able to play out a goalless draw against Michael Skibbe's men.

Despite their efforts to earn themselves a point, there was no silver lining to extract from such an outcome, as this extended their winless run in the league to four matches, recording three losses and a draw. With no room for complacency, Akio Kogiku will be hoping for a refined and impressive display from his team moving forward.

However, this is a side that was once on a three-match winning streak, with two of those wins coming at home at Yodoko Sakura Stadium, where they have been in average form, winning eight of their 15 matches played alongside six losses and a draw. While their two-match winning streak was halted by a 2-0 defeat against Shonan Bellmare, they'll be hopeful of bouncing back in this fixture.

They currently occupy seventh place with 46 points in the standings, one point ahead of eighth-placed Avispa Fukuoka and seven points behind a third-place finish.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

J. Kim; K. Funaki, K. Toriumi, M. Jonjić, S. Maikuma; Capixaba, S. Kagawa, H. Okuno, J. Croux; Léo, S. Uejo

Gamba Osaka

Form: LLLDL

Gamba Osaka picked up their second loss on the bounce against Nagoya Grampus as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the Suita City Stadium, where their winless run was extended to three matches.

Gamba Osaka's last win in the league was a 2-1 win over Shonan Bellmare at home on August 19th. Since then, they have gone on a six-match winless run, recording four losses and two draws. It's also worth mentioning that they are currently on a three-match losing streak after failing to score in two of those matches.

Characterized by a lack of motivation, playing on the road has been a struggle for Gamba Osaka as they find themselves on a four-match winless run, recording three losses and a draw. However, before this unfortunate turn of events, they were on a four-match unbeaten run with three wins and a draw. They'll be hoping to bounce back in this fixture. 

They currently occupy 13th place with 34 points in the standings,one point ahead of 14th-placed Consadole Sapporo and 15th-placed Kyoto Sanga. Their bid for an 11th-place finish is hampered by a three-point deficit.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

M. Higashiguchi; K. Kurokawa, K. Kwon, Y. Sato, R. Takao; Dawhan, N. Lavi, Y. Yamamoto; S. Kurata, T. Usami, R. Meshino

Match Facts

• Cerezo Osaka have gone three consecutive matches in the J1 League without scoring a single goal.
• Gamba Osaka have won one of their six away matches in the J1 League.
• Cerezo Osaka averages 1.4 goals per game when playing at home, and Gamba Osaka averages 1.07 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 42 meetings,Cerezo Osaka have won 13 times, Gamba Osaka have won 17 times, and there have been 12 draws, with the goal difference being 72-56 in favor of Gamba Osaka.

Expert Betting Tips

The fact that Gamba Osaka have failed to score in three consecutive matches in the J1 League could have dire consequences in their bid for a win in front of their fans; however, they can bank on their partially impressive home form in this one to get the job done, having won five of their eight matches.

While Gamba Osaka have been struggling on the road when playing in the J1 League, they have built a reputation of resilience in this fixture. The Nerazzurri have won nine of their last twenty matches, along with three losses and eight draws. This goes to show they'll be content with a point in this one, if not a maximum.

When both sides clash, five of their last eight matches have seen the total exceed 2.5 goals, and not only that, the visitors boast the second worst defensive record in the J1 League with 54 goals conceded in 30 matches, while away from home they have conceded two or more goals in ten of their fifteen matches, an average of 2.33 goals conceded. As such, we anticipate the total to go over 2.5 goals in this one.

• Goals - Over 2.5 for 1.80
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.66
• W1 for 2.03