Gamba Osaka v Vissel Kobe

Gamba Osaka vs Vissel Kobe Preview

A top four clash in the J-League features this weekend as well with the third placed hosts Gamba Osaka taking on fourth placed Vissel Kobe at the Panasonic Stadium Suita with both teams looking to further their claims for a possible top two finish, as Gamba Osaka head into this encounter on the back of a 2-1 home win against Kashiwa Reysol, while Vissel Kobe also registered all three points last weekend with a 1-0 home win against Kawasaki Frontale.

An inconsistent start to their J-League campaign this season saw Gamba Osaka pick up just four wins within their opening 11 games of the new term which came in the shape of victories over Albirex Niigata, Jubilo Iwata, Sagan Tosu and Urawa Reds respectively, but this period also included slipping to four defeats in the process as well.

It's worth mentioning however that three of the four defeats incurred by Gamba Osaka in their opening 11 games were inflicted upon Daniel Algaba's side on their travels while only losing once to date so far this season on home soil at their Panasonic Stadium Suita.

Gamba Osaka have since clicked into gear though in impressive fashion as the hosts have collected no fewer than six wins in their subsequent seven games overall, while six of Gamba Osaka's last 10 games have resulted in Under 2.5 goals.

Vissel Kobe ended a previously worrying three-game winless run in the J-League last time out with a 1-0 home win against Kawasaki Frontale having been dealt two defeats and involved in a draw in their preceding three games.

Losses at the hands of Kashima Antlers and Tokyo Verdy, both in low-scoring 1-0 defeats along with a 1-1 draw away from home at Urawa Reds had threatened to undo Vissel Kobe's previous impressive work which consisted of picking up four wins on the trot and lose ground on the top two clubs as a consequence.

Previous wins against Nagoya Grampus, Albirex Niigata, Cerezo Osaka and Avispa Fukuoka gave Vissel Kobe some welcome momentum and together with their recent victory over Kawasaki Frontale, the visitors still pose a serious threat to Saturday's hosts.

Goals have been in short supply though where Vissel Kobe have been concerned as no fewer than eight out of their last 10 league matches in the Japanese top flight have resulted in Under 2.5 goals being scored and another tight clash is expected against Gamba Osaka at their Panasonic Stadium Suita this Saturday.

Gamba Osaka v Vissel Kobe Verdict

Five out of the last eight meetings between Gamba Osaka and Vissel Kobe have resulted in Under 2.5 goals but Gamba Osaka might just sneak a narrow 1-0 victory here.

Therefore, our main bet will be Under 2.5 goals @ 1.70

Other side bets worth considering:

Gamba Osaka win @ 3.70

Correct Score: Gamba Osaka 1-0 @ 9.50