Dillan George
Dailysports's expert
On Tuesday, February 11, Vissel Kobe will host Shanghai Port in the 7th round of the AFC Champions League. The match kicks off at 11:00 Central European Time. I am making a betting prediction based on the match winner.
Interesting Facts and Head-to-Head History
- Vissel Kobe has won five consecutive home matches.
- Three of Vissel Kobe’s last five matches have featured more than two goals.
- Shanghai Port has lost two of their three away matches in the AFC Champions League.
- This will be the second-ever meeting between these teams. In 2020, Vissel Kobe defeated Shanghai Port 2-0 in the AFC Champions League Round of 16.
Match Preview
Vissel Kobe is the reigning champion of Japan. The previous J-League season started poorly for the Black and Whites, but they gained momentum and ultimately finished four points ahead of Sanfrecce Hiroshima. This marked their second consecutive league title.
In the AFC Champions League, Vissel Kobe has already virtually secured a playoff spot. After six rounds, they have 13 points and sit in third place. However, Gwangju and Yokohama F. Marinos are ahead of them only due to tiebreakers.
Vissel Kobe began their 2025 campaign with a 0-2 loss to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the Japanese Super Cup.
Shanghai Port, like Vissel Kobe, has won their domestic league title for two consecutive years. In the most recent Chinese Super League season, Kevin Muscat’s team edged Shanghai Shenhua by just one point.
However, in the AFC Champions League, the Chinese champions are locked in a fierce battle for a playoff spot. Shanghai Port currently has eight points, placing them seventh. Their lead over the ninth-placed team—who will miss out on the playoffs—is only one point, making the final two rounds crucial for the "Red Eagles."
Shanghai Port also started the year with a loss, falling 2-3 to Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super Cup.
Predicted Lineups
- Vissel Kobe: Obi; Hirose, Iwanami, Kikuchi, Hidaka; Yamaguchi, Kuwasaki, Yamauchi; Lino, Miyashiro, Yuruki
- Shanghai Port: Yan; Wang, Browning, Li Ang, Li Shuai; Vítal, Yussa; Liu, Leonardo, Gabrielzinho; Gustavo
Prediction for Vissel Kobe vs Shanghai Port
Shanghai Port will arrive highly motivated, but Vissel Kobe is the clear favorite. I am backing a home win for Vissel Kobe in this match.
