Yokohama FM vs Kashiwa Reysol
, KO: 09:00 May 22, 2021, Nissan Stadium
Yokohama FM continue their quest for the AFC Champions League as they host Kashiwa Reysol in a J1-League clash at Nissan Stadium. Yokohama have impressed in recent weeks, particularly at home and should be too strong for a struggling Kashiwa side.
Yokohama warmed up for Saturday’s clash with a 5-1 victory over Shimizu S-Pulse in a J-League Cup clash on Wednesday. Ryonosuke Kabayama netted a brace while Takuya Wada, Teruhito Nakagawa and Leo Ceara added further goals.
It was a good way to bounce back after suffering a 5-3 defeat at Kashima Antlers in their previous J1-League fixture. This is their only defeat in their last 12 J1-League fixtures as they remain fourth on the table, one point off the AFC Champions League places.
Yokohama often do their best work at home having won five of their last six matches at Nissan Stadium. Manager Angelos Postecoglou has built their recent form on a sturdy defence and they have kept clean sheets in five of their last six J1-League home matches.
Kashiwa Reysol were held to a 1-1 draw at Shonan Bellmare in their J-League Cup fixture with Shunki Takahashi grabbing a 90th minute equaliser. They were also beaten 4-0 at home by Tokyo FC in their previous J1-League fixture.
Nelsinho Baptista's men have struggled in recent weeks and travel to Yokohama on a six-match winless run across all competitions. They have also lost their last three J1-League matches, failing to score in all three fixtures.
Kashiwa also have a poor record on their recent travels with just one win in their last eight away matches. They have lost six times in that run and have failed to score in five of those defeats.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have Yokohama FM as overwhelming favourites here with a home win priced 3/5 by novibet. A victory for Kashiwa Reysol is priced at 43/10 by SBK while a draw is set at odds of 7/2 by bet365.
Given their recent home record, I am leaning towards a comfortable victory for Yokohama.
Head to head
Kashiwa Reysol have an 18-13 advantage with nine draws from 40 previous matches against Yokohama FM. Kashiwa also earned a 1-0 victory in the most recent meeting between both teams back in October.
Players to watch
Striker Daizen Maeda is the topscorer for Yokohama with eight goals from 13 appearances this season. With the likes of Ryonosuke Kabayama also contributing goals from midfield, they could be backed to score over 1.5 goals at 8/15 with bet365.
Yokohama have built their recent form on a solid defence with Shinnosuke Hatanaka and Thiago Martins often partnering at centre back. They have led the team to five clean sheets in their last six J1-League home matches and will be confident of a repeat at 9/5 with betfair.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Yokohama’s solid defensive showing in recent weeks, a win to nil could be on the cards at 21/10 with Paddy Power. A -1 handicap bet could also be considered at 6/4 with betway.
Yokohama could be backed to score in both halves at 5/4 with William Hill while they are also likely to win both halves at 16/5 with Paddy Power.
This match between Yokohama FM and Kashiwa Reysol will be played on May 22, 2021 and kick off at 09:00. Check below for our tipsters best Yokohama FM vs Kashiwa Reysol prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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