Urawa Red Diamonds vs Vissel Kobe Prediction: The Reds Cope Well Under Pressure

Urawa Red Diamonds will welcome table-toppers to the Saitama Stadium in the 32nd round of the J1 League.

Despite an impressive display in the league, table-toppers Vissel Kobe will likely have their backs against the wall in this clash given that they have emerged victorious once in their last eight meetings of this fixture, and at the moment, putting faith in them could turn out to be detrimental against a side seeking to redeem themselves following losses in the J.League Cup and the AFC Champions League group stage campaign.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Urawa Red Diamonds

Form: DWDWD

After playing out a goalless draw against Kashima Antlers away from home in the league, Urawa Red Diamonds, the two-time winners of the J.League Cup, were defeated 2-1 by Avispa Fukuoka away from home seven days later. However, their problems were far from over as a 2-1 defeat against Pohang Steelers away from home in the AFC Champions League group stage campaign has seen them opt for a runners-up berth in the next phase as Pohang Steelers emerged winners of Group J.

The Reds are currently on a four-match winless run across all competitions, picking up three losses and a solitary draw. However, a two-match winning run against their opponents in this clash should see them motivated to get back to winning ways, where the backing of home advantage should also play a major role in their success in this one.

With 54 points collected from 31 matches played so far, the Urawa Red Diamonds sit third in the J1 League standings, three points ahead of fourth-placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima and fifth-placed Nagoya Grampus.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

S. Nishikawa; T. Ogiwara, M. Høibråten, T. Iwanami, T. Akimoto; Y. Koizumi, K. Iwao, A. Ito, K. Yasui; J. Kante, E. Panya

Vissel Kobe

Form: DWWWL

After crashing out in the domestic cup competitions this season, Vissel Kobe have turned their focus to the league, where they are firm favorites to clinch this season's title. However,  a recent 1-1 draw against underdogs Shonan Bellmare away from home has cast a shadow over their championship aspirations as resilient Yokohama F. Marinos keep on closing the points gap at the top of the table.

As they now confront a side that they have failed to defeat in their last three matches, recording two losses and a draw, Vissel Kobe will be buoyed by their impressive display in the league that has seen them go on a four-match unbeaten run, recording three wins and a draw, to possibly see off the threat of their opponents in this one.

With 62 points collected from 31 matches played so far, Vissel Kobe sits first in the J1 League standings; however, their position is under threat, having maintained a two-point advantage over second-placed Yokohama F. Marinos.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

D. Maekawa; G. Sakai, T. Yamakawa, M. Thuler, Y. Honda; H. Yamaguchi, T. Ogihara, H. Ide; D. Sasaki, Y. Osako, Y. Muto

Match Facts

• Urawa Red Diamonds have won two consecutive matches against Vissel Kobe, both with a 1-0 scoreline.
• Vissel Kobe have won two of their six away matches in the J1 League.
• Urawa Red Diamonds averages 1.47 goals per game when playing at home, and Vissel Kobe averages 1.73 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 45 meetings, Urawa Red Diamonds have won 23 times, Vissel Kobe have won 15 times, and there have been 7 draws, with the goal difference being 76-59 in favor of Urawa Red Diamonds.

Expert Betting Tips

Urawa Red Diamonds are still mathematically in the race for the league title; however, with three games left to spare, they are in a difficult position where dropping points might hinder their chances of doing so. Defeating league leaders will go a long way in maximizing their chances of clinching this season's title.

Given that the home side have emerged victorious in five of their last eight meetings in this fixture, there's a slight possibility that they might be able to snatch three points against their opponents in this clash, though it won't be an easy feat. As such, picking them up to win or draw combined with the total under 3.5 should surface.

• 1X & TU 3.5 for 1.80
• Home To Win Either Half - Yes for 1.84
• Corners - Over 10 for 2.37