Sagan Tosu vs Vissel Kobe Prediction: The Defending Champions Have Their Sights Set On A Second Consecutive League Triumph

Sagan Tosu will welcome Vissel Kobe to the Ekimae Real Estate Stadium in the sixth round of the J1 League.

Vissel Kobe have been the better side on paper in this fixture and are favorites to claim maximumpoints in this impending encounter considering they have gone unbeaten in their last eleven matches (W9 D2), with their last defeat dating back to 2018, a 3-0 away defeat. 

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Sagan Tosu

Form: LLLWL

Sagan Tosu, who was confident in salvaging something from Machida Zelvia at the Machida Athletic Stadium, couldn't evade Se-hun Oh's wrath in the second half as the 25-year-old scored twice to lead his team to a convincing 3-1 triumph at home.

Tosu has failed to meet expectations this season, as they have a solitary win to their name in the last five matches alongside four losses to complement their poor start. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg, as they are currently on a three-match losing streak, indicating that they won't pose a significant challenge in this matchup despite being embraced with home advantage. 

With 3 points accumulated from 5 matches played, Sagan Tosu sits in nineteenth place in the J1 League standings within the relegation zone and is two points ahead of safety. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Park Il-Gyu; K. Ueebisu, T. Kim, K. Yamazaki, W. Harada; T. Kikuchi, S. Kawahara, A. Fukuta, Y. Naganuma; M. Ryan, Y. Horigome

Vissel Kobe

Form: WDWLW

Vissel Kobe, on the other hand, has been trying effortlessly to get in the good books of their demanding fans, and that's exactly what they've done so far as they find themselves in the top 3 in the league standings.

Their most recent match against Consadole Sapporo was nothing short of a masterclass performance, as they recorded a resounding 6-1 victory at the Misaki Park Stadium. In light of this win, their unbeaten run in the league was extended to three matches (W2 D1) since suffering their first defeat of the season against Kashiwa Reysol on March 2nd, 2024.

With 10 points accumulated from 5 matches played, Vissel Kobe sits in third place in the J1 League standings, with Kashima Antlers in fourth place and three points behind first place.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

D. Maekawa; G. Sakai, T. Yamakawa, M. Thuler, Y. Honda; H. Yamaguchi, T. Ogihara, T. Miyashiro; Y. Muto, Y. Osako, R. Hirose

Match Facts

• Sagan Tosu have secured one victory in their last ten matches in the J1 League.
• Vissel Kobe is currently on a four-match winning streak when playing away in the J1 League, a run that extends to the previous season.
• Sagan Tosu averages 1.1 goals per game when playing at home, and Vissel Kobe averages 1.5 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 28 meetings, Sagan Tosu have won 7 times, Vissel Kobe have won 13 times, and there have been 8 draws, with the goal difference being 46-31 in favor of Vissel Kobe. 

Expert Betting Tips

Vissel Kobe are the defending league champions this season and will be aiming to retain the top spot in the standings when they lock horns with Sagan Tosu. The Ushi have won five consecutive matches in this fixture and will be backing themselves up for a comfortable victory away from home, which will see their winning run in the league extended to two matches.

Considering Sagan Tosu have been poor at home this season, losing two of their last three matches, we anticipate the away side to walk away with a comfortable win by supporting them in the full-time market. It also has to be noted that the away side has avoided defeat in their last six matches (W5 D1).

• W2 for 1.67
• Goals - Over 2.5 for 1.85
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.75