Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the matches of the 15th round of the Japanese championship will take place on Wednesday at the Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium, where the local side Kawasaki will host Albirex Niigata. I suggest betting on the outcome of this clash, which offers a solid chance for success.
Match preview
Shigetoshi Hasebe's team enters this fixture with a slight aftertaste following a bitter defeat to Vissel Kobe, which snapped their impressive unbeaten run. Despite enjoying 61% possession, the "Azzurro Nero" couldn't make the most of their chances and once again dropped points at home. Still, on their home turf at Todoroki, Kawasaki remain traditionally strong: just one loss in their last eight home matches proves this ground is a reliable fortress.
Now, Frontale have an excellent opportunity to restore their fans' confidence—the opponent is clearly weaker in both squad depth and form. The attacking trio remains a decisive factor: Marcinho, Wakizaka, and Yamada are capable of breaking down any defense in the league. The team hasn't lost its ambition and will likely apply high pressing from the opening minutes, aiming to take control early.
For Albirex, every match now feels like a final, as they are stuck in the relegation zone and have yet to show the consistency needed for survival. The latest loss to Avispa Fukuoka was another blow to their pride: leading the score, "Albi" managed to squander their advantage and conceded three times in the end. The two previous wins can hardly be seen as a sign of real progress—over the long run, the team continues to lose more than they gain.
Things look even worse away from home: three consecutive defeats speak for themselves. The backline appears fragile and the attack lacks efficiency. Unless Albirex come up with something radically new tactically or deliver an extraordinary display of commitment, earning points in Kawasaki will be a tall order.
Probable lineups
- Kawasaki Frontale: L. Yamaguchi — K. Tachibanada, K. Takai, Y. Maruyama, A. Sasaki — S. Kawahara, Y. Yamamoto — A. Ienaga, Y. Wakizaka, Marcinho — S. Yamada
- Albirex Niigata: R. Tashiro (gk) — M. Fitzgerald, H. Inamura, K. Hashimoto, S. Fujiwara — D. Gomez, E. Miyamoto, Y. Hoshi, J. Okumura — K. Taniguchi, M. Hasegawa.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Kawasaki Frontale have lost just one of their last ten home matches in all competitions.
- Albirex Niigata have suffered three consecutive away defeats in the J1 League.
- Kawasaki Frontale have won seven of their last nine home encounters against Albirex.
Prediction
Frontale will play with emotion and full focus after that frustrating loss to Vissel Kobe—they won't repeat those mistakes. Albirex are vulnerable away, and Kawasaki will surely seize the chance to clinch three crucial points and stay in the league's upper half. I expect the hosts to control proceedings confidently and claim a logical victory backed by their home crowd, though it's wise to consider a handicap as insurance.
