MATCH OVERVIEW
The upcoming J League match between Shimizu S-Pulse and Avispa Fukuoka is poised to be a captivating battle. Scheduled to take place at the IAI Stadium Nihondaira, the match kicks off at 14:00 local time. Both teams are in the middle of the league table, and a win here could be pivotal in their quest for a higher finish.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The odds favor Avispa Fukuoka slightly, with an average of 2.26 for an away win compared to 3.09 for a home victory and 3.22 for a draw. This suggests a 44.2% probability for Avispa Fukuoka to win, 31.3% for Shimizu S-Pulse, and 31.1% for a draw. The odds indicate a competitive match, with Avispa Fukuoka having a slight edge.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Shimizu S-Pulse
- Current Form: Shimizu S-Pulse have struggled to find consistency, averaging 1.1 goals per match and conceding 1 goal.
- Strengths: Their possession rate of 50.7% and successful dribbles (16.1) highlight their ability to control the game.
- Weaknesses: With only 3.1 shots on target per game, their attacking efficiency needs improvement.
Avispa Fukuoka
- Current Form: Avispa Fukuoka have been solid defensively, conceding only 0.8 goals per match.
- Strengths: Their defensive prowess is evident with 6.8 clearances and 3.3 goalkeeper saves per game.
- Weaknesses: A possession rate of 43.6% suggests they may struggle to dominate the midfield.
Head-to-Head
Historically, matches between these teams have been closely contested, with both sides having their share of victories. Tactical adjustments will be crucial for both managers.
KEY PLAYERS SPOTLIGHT
Shimizu S-Pulse
- Koya Kitagawa: Leading the team with 5 goals, Kitagawa's form will be vital for Shimizu's attacking efforts.
- Sen Takagi: With 222.61 points, Takagi's contributions in midfield are crucial.
Avispa Fukuoka
- Tomoya Ando: Scoring 2 goals and accumulating 222.31 points, Ando is a key figure in Fukuoka's lineup.
- Masaaki Murakami: His defensive skills, reflected in 203.74 points, are essential for maintaining their solid backline.
STATISTICAL DEEP DIVE
- Offensive Metrics: Both teams average 1.1 goals per match, but Avispa Fukuoka's higher shots on target (4.1) could give them an edge.
- Defensive Metrics: Avispa Fukuoka's lower expected goals against (0.87) compared to Shimizu's (1.1) suggests a stronger defensive setup.
- Possession and Passing: Shimizu's higher possession and passing accuracy may help them control the game's tempo.
PREDICTION AND CONCLUSION
Based on the data, Avispa Fukuoka's defensive strength and slightly better odds position them as favorites. However, Shimizu S-Pulse's home advantage and possession stats could play a crucial role.
- Match-Winning Factors: Avispa's defense and Shimizu's possession will be key.
- Final Score Prediction: 1-2 in favor of Avispa Fukuoka.
- Half Time Score Prediction: 0-1 to Avispa Fukuoka.
- Both Teams to Score Probability: 50%
- Over 2.5 Goals Probability: 40%