Predictions for the 21st Round of J1 League, June 21 - June 22, 2025
Avispa Fukuoka – Albirex Niigata
In the last round, Avispa Fukuoka performed excellently in an away match against Fagiano Okayama, winning 1-0. According to xG, the team completely outplayed their opponent, who was lucky to avoid a thrashing. Albirex Niigata, on the other hand, also secured a victory, but it was on their home ground. However, their away form hasn't been the best, except in head-to-head encounters with Avispa Fukuoka. In these matches, the "storks" have regularly been stronger on the road, so a similar scenario might unfold here.
Match Prediction for Avispa Fukuoka – Albirex Niigata: the visitors will not lose
Machida Zelvia – Kashima Antlers
The league leader, who is frustrated with a draw in the last round, will visit the ninth team in the championship. Kashima Antlers couldn't close out the game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, although they were stronger in all aspects. Now, the "deer" are highly motivated to make amends, and they have won the last two head-to-head meetings.
Match Prediction for Machida Zelvia – Kashima Antlers: the visitors will not lose
Cerezo Osaka – Tokyo Verdy
The hosts have been in good form, winning three of their last five matches. The team is certainly looking to increase their appetite, and they are aiming for three points in the upcoming match. Cerezo Osaka is quite capable of achieving this, as Tokyo Verdy is not in the best condition, as evidenced by their recent results.
Match Prediction for Cerezo Osaka – Tokyo Verdy: home win
Kashiwa Reysol – Kyoto Sanga
The last three head-to-head meetings between the teams ended in high-scoring draws. Everything suggests that this time too, the clubs might not determine a winner. However, Kashiwa Reysol has been much more convincing in the league recently, and they will be playing at home in the upcoming match. Therefore, it's reasonable to believe that the hosts can secure three points.
Match Prediction for Kashiwa Reysol – Kyoto Sanga: home win
Kawasaki Frontale – Vissel Kobe
The reigning champions of Japan, after a less than ideal start, are beginning to gain momentum. They are currently in sixth place in the table, having secured four wins in their last five rounds. However, the upcoming match will not be easy, as their opponent is also in good form. Moreover, in head-to-head meetings, things don't always go in the visitors' favor. So, it's better to play it safe in this match.
Match Prediction for Kawasaki Frontale – Vissel Kobe: the visitors will not lose
Nagoya Grampus – Shimizu S-Pulse
Even though Nagoya Grampus are...only in 15th place in the table, but they are far from simple. The team has lost only once in the last eight matches, and that was away against Vissel Kobe. Shimizu S-Pulse, on the other hand, has not been performing as well in recent rounds, and the club from Shizuoka has lost three out of four head-to-head meetings. Therefore, in this matchup, there is more confidence in the success of the home team.
Match Prediction Nagoya Grampus – Shimizu S-Pulse: home win
Yokohama Marinos – Fagiano Okayama
The home team, sitting at the bottom of the league table, has secured only three victories this season, with two of them coming in the last three rounds. The club is clearly starting to find its form, and now they face an opponent who hasn't won in four consecutive rounds. Yokohama Marinos should take advantage of this situation to climb up from the very bottom.
Match Prediction Yokohama Marinos – Fagiano Okayama: home win
Yokohama – Sanfrecce Hiroshima
One of the best teams in the current J-League season is visiting Yokohama, who are in 19th place in the table. The home team has very little chance of success, as their recent league form has been poor. Moreover, Sanfrecce Hiroshima has already defeated this opponent earlier in the season, completely outclassing them in all aspects.
Match Prediction Yokohama – Sanfrecce Hiroshima: away win
Gamba Osaka – Tokyo
The home team started the season well, but recently they have stalled significantly, failing to win in five consecutive rounds. They have a chance to break this streak in the upcoming match against the capital's team, whose situation is even worse. Moreover, Gamba Osaka is eager to redeem themselves after a crushing defeat in the previous head-to-head encounter, which took place at the end of April.
