- Yokohama F Marinos have suffered three straight defeats.
- Lucao is the most exciting player in the J1 League and can unlock this game.
- Yokohama F Marinos are favorites to win.
Marinos’ attacking style could unlock this derby
Saturday’s Yokohama Derby pits bottom-of-the-table Yokohama F Marinos against their city rivals Yokohama FC, so the stakes are high and a win for the outsiders would be massive for their survival bid. This Yokohama FC vs Yokohama F Marinos preview highlights just how crucial this clash is for both teams.
Hideo Oshima’s Marinos are the firm favourites with the bookies, and the latest Yokohama FC vs Yokohama F Marinos odds reflect their status as frontrunners.
Marinos have the attacking quality to take the game to their less glamourous cousins and can win if they are at their best, but Yokohama FC should not be underestimated.
Marinos are not a pretty side to watch but their 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system pushes plenty of numbers forward and they will always try to play with the ball on the ground.
The problem for them this season has been defensive lapses undermining their progress in the league and the fact they have taken only 14 points from 20 games and conceded 28 goals – the fifth-worst record in the division.
Lack of pressure could affect Marinos
Lucao is the best finisher in the J1 League and the most influential player – bar none. He has the ability to unlock any game in any situation. He could find the winner for the visitors and could also be crucial if Yokohama FC do get ahead as he can sense when a game is slipping away.
Yokohama FC are tougher to get a read on because we know nothing about their manager, but we do know they will play a more compact, less frenetic style. They will set up to be disciplined, keep the tempo low and try to nick goals from set pieces and counters.
Our Yokohama FC vs Yokohama F Marinos prediction is influenced by the fact that Yokohama F Marinos have dominated this rivalry over the years, particularly when both clubs were in the J1 League, with 3-0 and 4-1 victories not too long ago. But the pressure is on them this weekend as they are the team that should win and defeat could be a crisis for the club.
BTTS the play here
Their last two victories came against Kashima Antlers and Machida Zelvia in mid-May, but three losses and an embarrassing 0-2 Emperor’s Cup exit to ReinMeer Aomori have put them under the pump.
This could be a nervy, close contest if they can’t get in front, so the both teams to score option looks good given how much Marinos have to push forward. Meanwhile, this is also an opportunity to consider our Yokohama FC vs Yokohama F Marinos betting tips for potential value.
Expect some drama here as Yokohama FC are not favorites in the derby and will be keen to prove they have turned a corner in their long-running battle against relegation. Our second Yokohama FC vs Yokohama F Marinos prediction is that both teams will score in what should be a competitive and closely fought encounter.
