Predictions & Livescore J1 League - Yokohama Marinos vs Sagan Tosu

J1 League - Yokohama Marinos vs Sagan Tosu
Match Time: 03-07-2024 18:00 Wednesday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Having finished in the top two in each of the last three seasons, including a title-winning campaign in 2022, Yokohama will be extremely disappointed with how the first half of this year has played out.

After 20 matches, Harry Kewell's men sit 12th in the division with fewer wins than losses and back-to-back defeats in their last two outings leave them in danger of not finishing in the top half altogether.

A disappointing loss to 10th-placed Tokyo Verdy in their last match, despite being the dominant side, has left them trailing the top 10 by four points, making this game crucial for Kewell's hopes of steering his side away from a first bottom-half finish since 2018.

While scoring goals has not been the problem for Yokohama, netting 31 times in 20 matches, their defence has been a point of concern with only six teams conceding more than their 30 goals.

They have already lost on more occasions at home this campaign than in each of the last three years, but they should be confident of securing a result against a Sagan Tosu side that have just one away win all season.

The visitors come into this game with just one victory across their last six league matches, a vital 3-0 win over relegation rivals Kyoto Sanga, leaving them 18th in the table.

At least a point for Sagan Tosu would see them climb back out of the relegation zone on goal difference, but an away record that has seen them pick up just four of their 17 points on the road is unlikely to give them much confidence in securing a result.

Kenta Kawai's men will have to address their poor defensive record if they are to continue their current 12-year stay in the division, with only three teams conceding more than their 35 goals until this point.

Prediction: Yokohama F Marinos 1-0 Sagan Tosu