Urawa Red Diamonds vs Yokohama F. Marinos: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

Urawa Red Diamonds have been the biggest disappointment of the current J1 League season. The fixture list pitted them against strong opponents from the start, but the fact that the “Red Diamonds” have failed to collect a single point from those matches is nothing short of sensational. Yokohama Marinos, on the other hand, are emerging as the early surprise package of the campaign. They have already strung together two consecutive wins, both without conceding a goal. Can they continue that run against a struggling side?

Tactical Analysis: Urawa Red Diamonds

Over the winter break, Urawa appointed South Korean coach Maciej Skorża—just kidding, it’s actually Gwi-jae Jo. Under his guidance, the team has not managed to pick up a single point in three rounds. Worse still, the Red Diamonds’ defence seems to have forgotten how to do its job. Across those three matches, the backline has leaked 11 goals.

In the third round, Urawa lost 3–1 away to Machida. There were some signs of improvement in their play, but the scoreboard remained as grim as ever. The Red Diamonds once again created nearly three expected goals (xG) and once again squandered almost all of their clear-cut chances. The opposition, meanwhile, converted virtually every opportunity they created against Jo’s side.

Tactical Analysis: Yokohama Marinos

At the start of the season, Yokohama Marinos were taken over by the vastly experienced Australian coach Steve Corica. Under his stewardship, the team has collected six points after three rounds and currently sits fifth in the table. It is worth noting that after a heavy defeat in the opening round—where they shipped several goals—the Marinos have kept two consecutive clean sheets.

In round three, the Marinos pulled off a surprise 1–0 home win over Kobe. The match was a tight, cagey affair. Corica’s men scored an early goal and then managed the game carefully without dropping into a deep, defensive shell. They controlled the tempo throughout the encounter. Despite holding the lead, Yokohama were actually closer to scoring a second goal than the visitors were to finding an equaliser.

Prediction and Bet

The main prediction is for a draw. Yokohama Marinos have impressed with their defensive solidity and currently look like a very cohesive unit. Expect a high-scoring draw in this match, with plenty of goals from both sides. The recommendation is to back a draw at odds of 3.20.

Regarding the total goals market: Urawa average 1.27 goals scored at home per game and concede 1.45. Yokohama Marinos average 1.73 goals away from home and allow 1.36. The average total goals for Urawa matches is 2.73, while for Yokohama it is 3.09. Anticipate an entertaining, goal-filled contest in which both teams find the net. The play is over 2.5 goals at 2.05.