V-Varen Nagasaki
- The V-Varen came in 9th in the WEST group of the current regional division with 21 points from 18 games.
- Shimotaira’s side are typically an organized, pressing team, capable of great discipline in a 3-4-2-1 or 4-2-3-1 system and lethal from set pieces.
- Shimotaira’s team will have freshness on their side with players returning from knocks, but they could still be without a few players from their matchday squad.
- V-Varen have the upper hand in this matchup and could take the advantage in this first leg with a win.
- V-Varen have been scoring more goals in recent games and face a team who have conceded heavily in recent fixtures.
Mito HollyHock
- Mito were 9th in the EAST group, claiming 18 points from their 18 games.
- Daisuke Kimori’s Mito are more compact, preferring a 4-4-2 in which they maintain a solid, pragmatic shape, good transitions and direct attacking play through the wings and set-pieces.
- Koji Oosaki is out for the visitors with a knee injury, while young winger Koki Ando has made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut and bringing energy and creativity to Mito’s attack.
- Mito have lost 4 of their last 5 in the league, looking vulnerable at the back throughout May.
Head-to-Head
The hosts have dominated the head-to-head record with 10 wins to Mito’s 6 from 20-25 meetings in all competitions .
V-Varen Nagasaki
Shimotaira’s team will have freshness on their side with players returning from knocks, but they could still be without a few players from their matchday squad.
Mito HollyHock
Koji Oosaki is out for the visitors with a knee injury, while young winger Koki Ando has made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut and bringing energy and creativity to Mito’s attack.
Betting Insights
With both teams to score priced at 1.78 , it reflects expectations of goals and the defensive issues of Mito, while the hosts are the favorites.
Prediction
- Shimotaira’s flexibility should see his side rotate the wings and press, while Mito will try to sit deep and hit the transition.
- The V-Varen will be looking to please their home fans and will want to make the second leg a non-factor, while Mito will need to respond to a miserable May.
