MATCH OVERVIEW
Cerezo Osaka and Shimizu S-Pulse are gearing up for a pivotal J League clash that could significantly impact their standings this season. As the home team, Cerezo Osaka will look to leverage their familiarity with the Yanmar Stadium Nagai to secure a victory. Meanwhile, Shimizu S-Pulse aims to capitalize on their recent form to challenge their hosts.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The average odds suggest a closely contested match, with Cerezo Osaka slightly favored at 2.28, while Shimizu S-Pulse stands at 2.93. The draw is priced at 3.37, indicating a competitive game. The probabilities derived from these odds are approximately 43.86% for a Cerezo Osaka win, 29.67% for a draw, and 34.13% for a Shimizu S-Pulse victory.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Cerezo Osaka
Cerezo Osaka has shown a solid performance this season, with an average of 1.37 goals per match and a possession rate of 54.37%. Their offensive capabilities are highlighted by their 12.47 shots per game, with 4.37 on target. Defensively, they concede 1.26 goals per match, relying on their interceptions (42.79) to disrupt opposition play.
Shimizu S-Pulse
Shimizu S-Pulse, on the other hand, averages 1.33 goals per game and maintains a possession rate of 48.94%. Their defensive statistics are slightly better, conceding 1.22 goals per match. They are adept at dribbling, with 22.72 attempts per game, and their successful duels (90.33) indicate a strong physical presence.
Head-to-Head
Historically, Cerezo Osaka has had the upper hand in recent encounters, but Shimizu S-Pulse's current form suggests they could pose a significant challenge.
KEY PLAYERS SPOTLIGHT
Cerezo Osaka
- Rafael Ratão: With 7 goals this season, Ratão is a key offensive threat.
- Lucas Fernandes: His creative playmaking is crucial, contributing significantly to the team's assists.
Shimizu S-Pulse
- Koya Kitagawa: Leading the team with 8 goals, Kitagawa is a vital player for Shimizu's attack.
- Sen Takagi: His defensive prowess and ability to score make him a dual threat.
STATISTICAL DEEP DIVE
Cerezo Osaka's possession and passing accuracy (470 successful passes) give them a strategic edge, while Shimizu S-Pulse's dribbling and dueling stats (15.78 successful dribbles) highlight their ability to break through defenses. Both teams have similar expected goals, indicating a balanced offensive matchup.
PREDICTION AND CONCLUSION
Given the data, Cerezo Osaka's home advantage and slightly better offensive metrics suggest they might edge out Shimizu S-Pulse. However, Shimizu's resilience and ability to perform in duels could lead to a tightly contested match.
Final Score Prediction: Cerezo Osaka 2-1 Shimizu S-Pulse Half Time Score Prediction: Cerezo Osaka 1-0 Shimizu S-Pulse Both Teams to Score Probability: 63.16% Over 2.5 Goals Probability: 47.37%