Urawa Red Diamonds
- In this phase of the J League 2026, Tokyo Verdy sit one place above Urawa Red Diamonds in the J1 East Group with approximately 14 points from eight games, while the hosts have just 11 from the same number of games.
- With both sides struggling to maintain their form, three points this Sunday could set off a run to the top of the group and so it’s set up for a good game in Saitama.
Tokyo Verdy
- Tokyo Verdy sit one place above Urawa Red Diamonds in the J1 East Group with approximately 14 points from eight games, while the hosts have just 11 from the same number of games.
- Hiroshi Jofuku has done a good job with the promotion winners and has made them a much more disciplined outfit, as well as one that can hurt the opposition on the counter.
Head-to-Head
- Urawa Red Diamonds have the superior record since 2003 (W9, D3, L2).
- Tokyo Verdy have won just two of the 14 head-to-head match-ups in all competitions.
- Urawa’s biggest win in this matchup dates back to 2005 - a 7-0 thrashing.
Key Players
- Ryoma Watanabe is the focal point for Urawa, and his goal and assist against Machida were two of his recent goal involvements in the 2026 league phase to date, while Renji Hidano has been the top scorer in the opening matches of the new division.
- Koki Morita is one of the J League’s top assist providers and has the creativity to unlock opposition defences, but Verdy’s best finisher is Itsuki Someno, who scored the game-winner in their 1-0 home win over Urawa on March 14, 2026.
- Rei Hirakawa is the creative spark behind Someno and Morita.
Betting Insights
- Urawa Red Diamonds are the bookies' favourites at 1.8 and rightfully so.
- Tokyo Verdy are available at 4.75 and a draw is a healthy 3.25.
- Under 2.5 goals looks a safer bet at 1.57.
- Both Teams to Score - No is priced at 1.65.
Prediction
- We’re going to be more conservative here and go for Urawa to edge this one and we feel that they could do so without conceding.
- Verdy are a tough to beat team and we’re happy to put money on the win at Saitama Stadium on Sunday, with Rei Hirakawa the creative spark behind Someno and Morita, but we feel that the pedigree of Urawa and the home crowd could prove the difference here.
