Fagiano Okayama (home)
- Fagiano Okayama will likely sit deep and counter-attack.
- Takashi Kiyama is a pragmatist and has this squad well organised and difficult to break down.
- Leô Gaucho hit a double to get them the win over Shimizu S-Pulse last time out.
- Leô Gaucho has pace, power and strength to cause problems for Urawa’s defence on Sunday.
Urawa Red Diamonds (away)
- Urawa Red Diamonds favour a more expansive 4-2-3-1, pressing and creating vertical passes.
- Coach Skorza quit, leaving his assistant Tatsuya Tanaka to take charge of this playoff.
- The new coach has made a few changes while retaining the intensity of the pressing game.
- Urawa have lost three and won two of their last five in all competitions.
- They beat Kashiwa Reysol 1-0 away but lost 1-0 to Machida Zelvia.
Recent meetings
Urawa won the most recent J1 meeting 1-0 in March 2025.
Key Players
- Leô Gaucho is Fagiano’s in-form striker.
- Ado Onaiwu has been quiet so far but can be decisive and is a J-League proven finisher.
- Sekine, the captain and senior central defender, is key for Urawa.
Betting Insights
- Bookmakers price Fagiano Okayama at 2.97, Urawa Red Diamonds at 2.39 and the draw at 3.2.
- The preview backs the visitors in a Double Chance.
- There are near-even odds on both teams to score.
- Under 2.5 goals at 1.63 is highlighted as a smart play.
Prediction
- Expect a tight game with Urawa holding the quality edge.
- The suggested approach is a Double Chance on the visitors plus Under 2.5 goals.
