FC Tokyo vs Vissel Kobe Prediction: Goal Blitz Incoming, Defending Champions Out For Redemption

FC Tokyo will welcome defending champions Vissel Kobe to the Ajinomoto Stadium in the third round of the J1 League. 

Vissel Kobe, who suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Kashiwa Reysol, will be seeking to get back to winning ways on the road, where they've showcased an impressive performance, winning four of their last five matches in the J1 League. 

Let's have a look at the latest J1 League predictions between FC Tokyo vs. Vissel Kobe, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

FC Tokyo

Following a thrilling 2-2 away draw against Cerezo Osaka in their opening match, FC Tokyo went on to pick up their second consecutive draw against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, playing out a drab 1-1 draw at home. In between those matches, they engaged in two friendly games where they emerged victorious in both encounters against Sagamihara (2-0) and Omiya Ardija (1-0).

FC Tokyo have maintained a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions (W3 D2), although their performance in the league this season has left much to be desired. Playing at home has seen FC Tokyo fail to win their last three matches (L2 D1), a run that stretches from the previous season. However, they have been presented with the opportunity to reignite their confidence and secure their first home victory of the season against a side they have avoided defeating in their last three matches (W2 D1).

With 2 points accumulated thus far, FC Tokyo sits in 15th place in the J1 League standings, level on points with 14th-placed Cerezo Osaka and one point ahead of the relegation zone.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

G. Hatano; Y. Nagatomo, M. Morishige, H. Trevisan, K. Bangnagande; R. Harakawa, R. Araki, K. Matsuki; T. Nakagawa, D. Oliveira, K. Endo

Vissel Kobe

Following a comfortable 2-0 away win against newly promoted Jubilo Iwata, Vissel Kobe failed to capitalize on their momentum to secure their second consecutive win as they were defeated 1-0 at home against Kashiwa Reysol on the second match day, thwarting their chances for an inaugural home victory. 

However, notwithstanding that setback, the defending champions could still maintain a sense of optimism coming into this match, especially considering they have maintained a five-match unbeaten run in the league when playing away, extending to the previous season. Given that they currently boast a three-match winning streak, a return to winning ways could undoubtedly be on the cards.

With 3 points accumulated thus far, Vissel Kobe sits in eighth place in the J1 League standings, two points ahead of the relegation zone and one point adrift of early pacesetter Kashima Antlers in first place. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

D. Maekawa; R. Hatsuse, M. Thuler, T. Yamakawa, G. Sakai; Y. Ideguchi, T. Ogihara, H. Yamaguchi; K. Yuruki, Y. Osako, D. Sasaki

Match Facts

• FC Tokyo are winless in their last three games at home in the J1 League.
• Vissel Kobe have lost one of their last nine away matches across all competitions.
• FC Tokyo averages 1.2 goals per game when playing at home, and Vissel Kobe averages 1.3 goals per game when playing at home.

Head-To-Head

In the last 41 meetings, FC Tokyo have won 21 times, Vissel Kobe have won 7 times, and there have been 13 draws, with the goal difference being 61-35 in favor of FC Tokyo.

Expert Betting Tips

FC Tokyo are still searching for their first win of the season after failing to win their last two opening matches. Despite being the dominant side in this fixture, they go up against a side they have failed to defeat in their past three meetings, indicating that they won't have it easy in their bid to secure a maiden win in the J1 League. 

Vissel Kobe were a bit unlucky against Kashiwa Reysol to record their first defeat of the season due to their lack of efficiency in the final third. However, that's water under the bridge as they gear to reignite their confidence by bouncing back to winning ways. 

Given the propensity for high-scoring encounters whenever these teams meet with a total exceeding 2.5 goals in their last four games, we anticipate the same trend to continue in this one.

• Total - Over 2.5 for 2.03
• W2 for 2.07
• 1st Half Goal Line - Over 1.0 for 2.00