Vissel Kobe welcome Cerezo Osaka to Noevir Stadium for a J1 League matchday 30 fixture on Friday. The home side will be looking to build on the 2-0 away victory they registered over Avispa Fukuoka a fortnight ago.
They went ahead through Yuya Osako's first-half injury-time strike and the 34-year-old doubled his side's lead when he scored from the spot with eight minutes left on the clock.
Cerezo, meanwhile, have not been in action since falling to a harrowing 4-0 defeat away to Yokohama F Marinos three weeks ago. All four goals were scored in the second half, with Anderson Lopes scoring a brace while Ren Kato and Jun Amano scored a goal each in the rout.
The loss left the cherry blossoms in eighth spot in the table, having garnered 38 points from 28 games. Kobe are third with 52 points to their name.
Vissel Kobe vs Cerezo Osaka Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Cerezo Osaka have 25 wins from the last 49 head-to-head games. Vissel Kobe were victorious on 16 occasions while eight games ended in a share of the spoils.
- Their most recent clash came May 2024 when Kobe claimed a 4-1 away victory in the reverse fixture.
- Five of the last eight head-to-head games have witnessed goals at both ends.
- Kobe are unbeaten in their last five games across competitions (four wins).
- Cerezo are winless in their last eight competitive games (five losses).
- Four of Kobe's last six games across competitions have seen one side fail to find the back of the net.
- Cerezo have conceded at least two goals in four of their last five league games.
Vissel Kobe vs Cerezo Osaka Prediction
Vissel Kobe saw their title run derailed in July following a run of one win from five league games. However, the Cows have won their last two league games, keeping a clean sheet in each win to rekindle their title aspirations. They are now three points off table-toppers Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Cerezo Osaka have lost their last three league games on the bounce, conceding 11 goals in the process.
We are backing the home side to claim a routine victory in addition to a clean sheet.
Prediction: Vissel Kobe 2-0 Cerezo Osaka
Vissel Kobe vs Cerezo Osaka Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Vissel Kobe to win
Tip 2 - Both teams to score: No
Tip 3 - Over 1.5 goals