Vissel Kobe is looking to improve their place in the league table with a win against Albirex Niigata, who has a good momentum here. Niigata are coming into this match from a successive wins for the first time since September last year. Meanwhile, Vissel Kobe is just aiming to get the maximum points in this match, for a chance at the second spot. These two teams have played for 29 times already across all contests, with their first meeting being recorded in 2004. Their meeting in April is actually the first time in six years that they have an encounter again. Moreover, when it comes from their meetings, it was Niigata who leads, winning 13 matches, while Vissel Kobe have eight. These two teams will meet on July 7, 2023, at 6:00 PM (GMT+8), with Niigata playing as hosts.
Vissel Kobe
During their last match, Vissel Kobe were held in a 1-1 draw against Consadole Sapporo on their last match. On that same match, they also bid goodbye to Andres Iniesta who will shift to a different league. Vissel Kobe has one goal coming into this match, and that is to get the maximum points, to place at the second of the league table. Due to their strong start this season, they currently sit at the third of the league table with 37 points. They are a point away from the second spot, which gives them more motivation to win here. A win in this match is not impossible for them though, as they are unbeaten in their last four games against Niigata. Vissel Kobe needs to take advantage of their defense, as they have the best defensive record in the league.
Ryuho Kikuchi remains to be unavailable for this squad, due to his ligament injury, which kept him from playing since March. Moreover, Tetushi Yamakawa is also absent here, due to his metatarsal fracture.
Albirex Niigata
Niigata on the other hand are fortunate to be able to return to winning ways on their last two matches. They are winless in their five games, before those consecutive wins, which brings them momentum here. On their last match, it was a 2-0 win for Niigata that made them improve their place in the league table. It was Shunsuke Mito, and Hayato Araki who helped Niigata win their previous match. They are now at the 13th of the league table with 21 points across their names. Since they are just two points away from the team at the 12th, they could climb the 12th of the league table. Additionally, since they are playing at home, it could be an advantage for them. Four of their five wins in the league are all coming at home, since the format works on their favor. However, they are not doing well against Vissel Kobe, as they won only one in their last six games.
Danilo Gomes, is out in this match, as he was forced off on their last match due to an injury. He joined Yoshiaki Takagi in their injury list, who is suffering a muscle injury. Yuto Horigome on the other hand is a major doubt here, as he sustained a muscle problem.
Prediction:
Vissel Kobe (1.5)
Odds: -0.87
Ready to play?
You may place your bets for the J1 League match between Vissel Kobe and Albirex Niigata at Nova88, Asia’s largest and most trusted Online Casino Malaysia. Join and play now!
