Kawasaki Frontale

vs

Urawa Red Diamonds

Predictions & Betting Tips

Kawasaki have the edge in J-League’s best derby

Kawasaki’s dynamic coach Shigetoshi Hasebe has quickly turned the team into a high-tempo, possession-based outfit since his appointment on February 1st, 2025. His team have rotated players with such fluidity and played such quick, short passing football that the ball has been in the opposition half for most of their matches since the start of the year; the Kawasaki Frontale vs Urawa Red Diamonds preview suggests that this attractive style could be crucial in the upcoming derby. They currently sit in 6th place in J-League 2025 with 24 points from 15 games, 5 points behind Urawa in 4th with 29 points from 17. Our Kawasaki Frontale vs Urawa Red Diamonds prediction is shaped by Kawasaki’s strong home record: they have won 4, drawn 2 and lost just 1 of their 7 home games so far in J-League 2025, averaging 1.86 goals scored and just 0.71 conceded per game. They have remained unbeaten in their last 3 home games against Urawa and will be full of confidence going into this one after seeing off Cerezo Osaka 2-0 and edging Yokohama FC 2-1 in their last two matches. But this game will be a real test of their progress with Urawa having lost just 1 of their 5 most-recent J-League 2025 matches, winning 3. Maciej Skorza, the Urawa boss since September 2024, has been an inspired choice by the club, as he has taken a pragmatic approach that suits the players at his disposal. He sets up his teams in a solid, compact defensive block. This clash of possession dominance and counter-attacking efficiency should be a chess match and one that could affect the standings of these two bitter rivals; the Kawasaki Frontale vs Urawa Red Diamonds betting tips highlight how tactical approaches could be decisive here. Last season, Kawasaki beat Urawa 3-1 at home in the J-League 2024 and the two sides have won one apiece across the last two meetings, suggesting this will be another close game. Meanwhile, another Kawasaki Frontale vs Urawa Red Diamonds prediction is that key players will be influential; with 5 goals in 14 J-League 2025 appearances, Erison is a key goal scorer for the hosts and will provide the clinical touch they need to get the win in tight games. But Ryoma Watanabe matches the Brazilian’s output for Urawa with 5 goals in 13 appearances and will be a threat on the counter-attack in this game. Kawasaki are rightful favourites here at +163 with Urawa listed at +300, but we’ll take the hosts to win in what will be a close game. Backing Under 2.5 Goals at -117 is the smart move here given the defensive stats of both clubs.