- Kyoto Purple Sanga are unbeaten in their last five matches (Won 2 Drawn 3)
- Nagoya Grampus Eight have been inconsistent this season, often struggling against mid-table sides
- This fixture has typically seen the home team perform well, with Nagoya’s record against Kyoto slightly better
Both managers know their stuff
The Nagoya vs Kyoto rivalry is one of the oldest in the J League and both teams have had their share of success in the premier division over the last twenty years. Nagoya have the edge in overall wins between the two sides but with both clubs currently sitting mid-table, this game is important for Nagoya’s continental qualification aspirations while Kyoto will be looking to stay clear of the relegation battle or put some momentum behind a push up the table. Our Nagoya Grampus Eight vs Kyoto Purple Sanga prediction is that this classic fixture could once again have significant consequences for both sides.
Kenta Hasegawa has a reputation as a smart, disciplined manager after winning the J.League championship with Gamba Osaka and he has not deviated from his trademark style at Nagoya. Structured build-up play, compact defending and selective pressing have been the bedrock of Nagoya’s play this year. Hasegawa has previously had little time for flashy football but in Sho Inagaki’s relentless energy in midfield, he has found a player with a similar drive to his own.
Cho Kwi-jea is a different kind of coach. He is a true believer in attacking soccer and has no qualms about pressing his team to win games. He demands a high press and his players have responded with some entertaining and fluid soccer this term. However, there is a danger of getting caught on the break when a press is avoided and that has been a problem for Kyoto Purple Sanga this campaign. Their defence has been less than compact and their average of 2.6 goals per game is very healthy but they have also conceded at a rate of 2 per match. The Nagoya Grampus Eight vs Kyoto Purple Sanga preview highlights just how crucial tactical flexibility will be in this encounter.
Home advantage and clear skies
Both these teams have a midfield ‘engine’ which links their defensive solidity with their attacking threat and both coaches will try to control the tempo of this match to their own advantage. This Nagoya Grampus Eight vs Kyoto Purple Sanga prediction suggests that midfield battles could decide the outcome.
This should be a very close contest with the Nagoya Grampus Eight vs Kyoto Purple Sanga odds of 2.07 for Kyoto Purple Sanga (money back on draw) and 2.50 for Nagoya Grampus Eight win being very similar in the outcome.
I cannot predict the winner, but I can see it being a tough match and the Nagoya Grampus Eight vs Kyoto Purple Sanga betting tips market is attractive.
I like both of these managers and I think they will have their teams well set up to frustrate one another.
Kyoto’s Peter Utaka has been deadly in front of goal this summer, averaging almost one goal every other match and I’ve had a lot of luck backing him to score anytime.
He is a ‘danger man’ and his clinical finishing is an excellent complement to the creativity of midfielder Kosuke Kinoshita who has been making some brilliant chances in the final third.
Nagoya’s Mateus Castro is a very different player to the other wingers in this division.
He is pacey, has very good footwork and is adept at playing the ball first time, which gives him a great advantage in counter attacking situations.
Sunday should be a hot and sunny afternoon which should keep the pace up, but could also contribute to late-game drama if the players are fatigued.
Kyoto are the slight favourites but Nagoya’s form has been erratic and I am going to lean towards a Kyoto Purple Sanga win or a higher scoring draw in this J.League derby match.
