- Avispa Fukuoka have won four of their last five games, winning their last three in a row.
- Vissel Kobe have won four of their last five matches, winning their last four in a row.
Avispa Fukuoka in fine form under new manager
Avispa will be difficult to break down at home, with new manager Myong-Hwi Kim instilling a real sense of defensive solidity and a clear tactical discipline since he took the helm in February 2025.
Fukuoka’s defensive solidity has seen them score 12 goals in their 11 home matches in J-League 2025.
The Hawks are currently 10th in J-League 2025, having accrued 29 points from 21 matches. The Hawks have won 4, drawn 4 and lost 3 of their 11 home games, winning their most recent three in a stretch.
Avispa’s top scorer Tomoya Ando has been efficient with 4 goals in 20 league appearances, a record that suggests his goals have come in the clutch.
Kobe’s title chase is built on their strong form
Vissel’s recent form has seen Takayuki Yoshida’s men rise up to 4th in the table, having accrued 36 points from 20 fixtures.
Vissel have won 6, draw 1 and lost 3 on their away matches this season, and are one of the most dangerous travelling teams in the league.
Yoshida’s style of possession-based football, high pressing and fluidity of his midfielders have seen them climb the table since he was appointed in June 2022.
The visitors have won two of their previous three away matches, including a win at Kawasaki Frontale.
Taisei Miyashiro has been Kobe’s key player in the attack, having scored 7 goals in 16 J-League appearances.
Kobe should have enough to edge this one
This clash could have major implications for continental qualification spots and whoever can earn the momentum from this game will likely be in good stead in the second half of J League 2025.
With both sides in red-hot form, this should be a very tight game, with the hosts having failed to win any of their last two home games against Vissel Kobe, suggesting that the visitors have a psychological edge at this venue.
Vissel Kobe are the favorites at 2.04, with Fukuoka the underdogs at 3.78 and the draw coming in at 3.42.
Avispa have been incredibly pragmatic in their approach in recent weeks.
