Roster Rundown
Kawasaki Frontale has been riding a wave of success thanks in part to standout performances from key players. Shunsuke Ando, the team's guardian between the posts, has been a fortress, recording multiple clean sheets this season. His quick reflexes and solid positioning have been crucial for Kawasaki's defense. In midfield, Ryota Ohshima has been a maestro, orchestrating play with his vision and precise passing. He's a workhorse who ensures smooth transitions from defense to attack. Up front, Yu Kobayashi has been lethal, finding the back of the net consistently. His knack for being in the right place at the right time makes him a constant threat. They're missing the talents of Jesiel and Marcinho, though, which could be a concern.
Shonan Bellmare, on the other hand, relies heavily on Kazunari Ono’s defensive prowess. He's the backbone of their defense, often breaking up opposition plays with well-timed tackles. Akito Suzuki has been a creative force in the midfield, threading passes and creating opportunities, while Luiz Phellype, with his physical presence, provides an aerial threat in the attacking third. They're missing the dynamic Masaki Ikeda and the versatile Yutaro Oda, which might hamper their game plan.
Head-to-Head
Kawasaki Frontale has historically had the upper hand over
Shonan Bellmare. In their 28 encounters, Kawasaki has emerged victorious 14 times, with Bellmare managing only 5 wins. The last few meetings have been tight, showcasing how competitive these fixtures can get.
Recent Form
Kawasaki Frontale's recent run has seen a mix of results. They registered a commanding 3-0 win over Tokyo and a 4-0 triumph against Shanghai Shenhua. However, they stumbled against Kyoto Sanga FC, losing 0-1, and also faced a setback with a 0-1 loss to Shanghai Shenhua in an earlier rematch. They managed a goalless draw against Fagiano Okayama, underscoring a somewhat inconsistent streak.
Shonan Bellmare’s form is equally patchy. They fell 3-0 to Shimizu S Pulse and also lost narrowly 1-2 to Vissel Kobe. They managed a 1-1 draw with Yokohama Marinos and a goalless draw against FC Tokyo. Their solitary recent win was a narrow 1-0 against Zweigen Kanazawa, hinting at their struggles upfront.
Wrap-Up
Kawasaki Frontale, with their attacking prowess and well-organized defense, seem to have the edge. They’ve shown they can score freely and keep it tight at the back.
Shonan Bellmare, though resilient, have lacked the cutting edge needed to finish games. Absences of key players like Jesiel and Marcinho could be a factor, but Kawasaki's depth can cover. For Shonan, missing Ikeda and Oda might just tilt the balance further away from them.
Summary
Given the recent form and historical dominance,
Kawasaki Frontale appears to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their ability to control the tempo and capitalize on scoring opportunities, along with
Shonan Bellmare's recent struggles, suggests they might come out on top. But, as in hockey, puck luck—or in this case, ball bounce—can change the game in an instant.
Match Odds Kawasaki Frontale – Shonan Bellmare
Our odds for Kawasaki Frontale beating Shonan Bellmare are - 1.11.
Shonan Bellmare odds for winning offered at - 68.
Draw odds offered at 7.55.
