Shimizu S-pulse
- The hosts sit fourth with 22 points from 15 games, two better off than the 9th-placed visitors who have 20 points from 16.
- The hosts are in inconsistent form with one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five, while Avispa comes into the game in better form with three wins in their last five.
- Shimizu boss Takayuki Yoshida has got his players to play with a strong work ethic and high defensive line since January 2026.
- His pressing style of play has made them a more positive team that likes to push players forward and win the ball back in their half to catch the opposition in transition.
Avispa Fukuoka
However, Avispa has won only two and lost four of their first eight away matches of the season, which doesn’t bode well for them here.
Head-to-Head
- Shimizu S-pulse has won two of the last three head-to-head meetings between the teams (D1, L0).
- We like the chances of Shimizu to edge it in a similar way to their 6-5 win at Avispa in the last head-to-head in J League 2026.
Key Players
- Shimizu S-pulse’s top scorer, Se-Hun Oh, has scored six J League 2026 goals in 14 appearances, while Avispa’s leading marksman, Shosei Usui, has three goals.
- Yudai Shimamoto has been in fine form for Shimizu, scoring two of their last five goals.
Betting Insights
- Odds of 2.14 for the home side to win are a touch on the high side for our money, but it does reflect the fact that the visitors have not won at Shimizu in their last three attempts.
- Our main bet here is on the goal lines and for both teams to register.
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Goals averages:
- Avispa scores an average of 0.88 goals per game away from home and concedes at a rate of 1.38 per game, which is why they have been vulnerable on the road.
- Shimizu has conceded eight goals in seven home games, an average of just over one per outing.
Prediction
The pressing game they play could unsettle Avispa’s rhythm and they should be able to control the midfield and win the game.
