- Avispa Fukuoka have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five matches.
- Shimizu S-Pulse have won one, drawn one and lost one of their last three away fixtures.
- The hosts have conceded just 13 goals in 13 games at home.
Hosts have the structure, but Shimizu’s can be a threat
Avispa Fukuoka (11th, 36 points from 26 games) are five points and two places better off than Shimizu S-pulse (13th, 31 points from 26) in the J League 2025 standings, but both clubs will be desperate for the three points that could push them further up the standings in Saturday’s intense rivalry game. As part of our Avispa Fukuoka vs Shimizu S-pulse preview, it’s important to note how both teams have grown this season.
Shimizu S-pulse got the better of Avispa in a 3-1 win when these sides met in J League 2025 four months ago, but this time around, our Avispa Fukuoka vs Shimizu S-pulse prediction is that Avispa's recent form (2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat in their last 5 matches) should be able to make life difficult for their visitors.
Myong-Hwi Kim took over as Avispa Fukuoka coach in February 2025 and has brought an element of structure and resilience to the club. Fukuoka are rarely the more dominant side in matches, but their 3-4-2-1 system usually ensures that they are organised and in control of the game.
Fukuoka can keep the scores down
Ando has four goals in 25 J League 2025 games, but the veteran has a knack of nicking the win for Fukuoka in tight games such as this one. Shimizu S-pulse’s Koya Kitagawa has nine goals in 26 appearances in the top-flight in 2025, but the visitors lack the firepower to blow Fukuoka away in this type of game.
Susumu Watanabe took over at the helm in April 2023 and has made the Shizuoka-based club more dynamic in the final third.
So this should be a interesting matchup between two distinct styles of play. The Avispa Fukuoka vs Shimizu S-pulse prediction is that Fukuoka’s 3-4-2-1 system will try to keep the ball tight and hit on the break, while Shimizu S-Pulse’s more fluid 3-4-3 will look to use the width and score quickly in transition.
Fukuoka have a solid home record
The bookmakers have set a low 1.51 price on Under 2.5 goals.
Avispa have four wins, six draws and just three losses in the same 13 fixtures at their own venue, so they are likely to earn a point at the very least against a Shimizu S-Pulse side that have won only three and lost seven of their 13 away matches. For those looking for Avispa Fukuoka vs Shimizu S-pulse betting tips, considering the home record and recent trends could be valuable.
Shimizu are 2.70 favourites for this clash with Fukuoka at 2.65, but it could end up being a tense battle that suits the home side more. Take Fukuoka in the double chance bet and a 1-1 tie, which is the most likely outcome, in the exact score market.
