Rising Fukuoka to sink struggling Marinos (Avispa Fukuoka vs Yokohama F. Marinos prediction) | OneFootball

Avispa Fukuoka vs Yokohama F. Marinos: Form and Fortune Collide in J1 League Clash

Avispa Fukuoka will look to continue their impressive run when they host struggling Yokohama F. Marinos at Best Denki Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with the sides experiencing contrasting fortunes in the J1 League this season.

Form Guide

Kim Myung Hwi's Fukuoka side currently sit sixth in the table after a strong start to the campaign, having won five of their last six matches. Their recent 1-0 victory over Urawa highlighted their defensive solidity, with goalkeeper Masaaki Murakami securing another clean sheet behind the reliable partnership of Tomoya Ando and Masaki Tashiro.

In stark contrast, Yokohama F. Marinos find themselves languishing in 17th position with just one win from nine matches. Stephen Holland's men are winless in their last four outings, most recently being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Tokyo Verdy despite dominating possession.

Team News

Avispa captain Tatsuki Nara has recently returned to the bench following a lengthy knee ligament injury, though his participation remains uncertain. The hosts will also be without Itsuki Oda and Jurato Ikeda, both recovering from knee surgeries.

Yokohama's selection headaches continue to mount with Jean Claude Aziangbe suspended after picking up a yellow card against Kawasaki Frontale. Colombian winger Jeisson Quiñónes is doubtful after limping off in the fourth minute of that same match, while Takuto Kimura remains sidelined with an ACL tear.

Tactical Battle

Saturday's clash presents an intriguing tactical matchup between Avispa's compact 4-4-2 formation and Yokohama's possession-based 4-3-3 approach.

Fukuoka have built their success on defensive organisation and swift counter-attacks, with Tomoya Ando contributing two goals from defence this season. January signing Shahab Zahedi adds a physical presence up front, though he's still searching for his first goal.

For Marinos, Brazilian winger Yan Matheus has been a rare bright spot with two goals and an assist, while winter acquisition Daiya Tono from Kawasaki Frontale has shown promise with a goal and assist of his own. However, defensive frailties have repeatedly undermined their attacking efforts.

Prediction

The contrast in form couldn't be clearer heading into this fixture. Avispa's defensive resilience has been the foundation of their success, while Yokohama's inability to convert possession into goals continues to hamper their progress.

With home advantage and momentum firmly on their side, Fukuoka should have enough quality to overcome a Marinos side desperately searching for consistency. Expect the hosts to control the tempo and capitalise on the visitors' defensive vulnerabilities.

Predicted Score: Avispa Fukuoka 2 - 0 Yokohama F. Marinos