Jubilo Iwata vs Vissel Kobe

Yamaha Stadium forms the backdrop for a J1 League relegation six-pointer between Jubilo Iwata and Vissel Kobe.

Relegation-threatened Jubilo Iwata have failed to build on a comprehensive 3-1 home triumph over Sagan Tosu in mid-June, instead going winless in their last three J1 League fixtures (D1, L2). Back-to-back league defeats ‘to nil’ ahead of the kick-off suggest Jubilo’s hopes of arresting a two-game winless H2H home streak (D1, L1) have no leg to stand on. A run of three losses from their last four home league outings (W1) further backs this claim, especially considering they’ve drawn a blank twice in that sequence. Conceding first could prove detrimental to Jubilo’s bid to defy their abysmal home form, as they’ve lost three out of four home league matches in which they fell behind this season (W1).

On the other hand, travelling Vissel Kobe have gone from back-to-back J1 League defeats to two consecutive victories, reinforcing their hopes of avoiding relegation. Sitting four points adrift of safety, the visitors cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Adding to this sentiment, they had gone winless in their opening nine away league matches (D3, L6) before claiming a clear-cut 2-0 triumph at Sagan Tosu on their most recent travel. Kobe’s uninspiring attacking showings on the road have seen them score a poor average of 0.8 goals per J1 League trip this season, highlighting the importance of staying tight at the back. But they’ve conceded an average of 1.7 goals per away league match thus far.