- Imabari FC are 9th in the J2 League 2025 after earning 28 points from 21 matches.
- Ventforet Kofu are 12th in the same league, two points behind Imabari.
Imabari’s home performance has been poor
Imabari FC have won just one, drawn six and lost four of their 11 home league fixtures in J2 League 2025. The home side are therefore slight favourites to beat Ventforet Kofu, a team that they have lost to already in this season’s league campaign. This Imabari FC vs Ventforet Kofu preview will highlight how both teams have struggled to find winning form.
It’s been a pretty miserable time for Imabari lately with no wins, one draw and two defeats from their last three home fixtures. Head coach Keiji Kuraishi has emphasised discipline and solid defence since he took over the reigns in February, but his patience is beginning to run out as his side extend their winless run to five.
A 0-0 draw at Fujieda MYFC was replaced with our first Imabari FC vs Ventforet Kofu prediction, followed by a home defeat to Mito Hollyhock and then a 2-2 tie with Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo as the hosts struggled to break down their opponents.
Kofu looking to play patient, possession-based soccer
Ventforet Kofu are in a similar vein as they prepare to travel to Imabari for Saturday’s clash. Shinji Otsuka has begun to instil some tactical discipline on the side since he arrived earlier in the season and his team’s ability to remain stubborn at the back is evident from their away concession rate of just 0.64 per game, while they have scored just 0.73 on average. According to Imabari FC vs Ventforet Kofu betting tips, both teams' defensive styles could be crucial in this matchup.
The visitors are on a run of three consecutive draws, including two recent 0-0 stalemates against Vegalta Sendai and Ehime FC. Kofu are in better form away from home, where they have won three, drawn four and lost four of their 11 league away games in 2025.
The clash of Imabari’s pragmatic, disciplined structure against Kofu’s patient, skill-based game should make for an interesting tactical matchup in which chances are likely to be few and far between. Both sides are in need of a win to push themselves up the J2 League standings, but neither team’s current form will give us much confidence that they can get the job done on Saturday.
Imabari have the attacking edge
Backing Kofu at +260 is certainly attractive, but Imabari are a clear favourite with the bookies at +125 and draw at +200 is also an enticing price given both teams lack of winning form. For Imabari FC vs Ventforet Kofu odds, it’s evident that oddsmakers are expecting a tight contest. We are going for the draw here, but a close, cagey matchup seems likely.
Under 2.5 goals looks a solid option for an alternate bet, given neither side have hit the scoresheet particularly well in 2025. Imabari have managed just 11 goals in 11 home games, while Kofu’s average of 0.73 on the road. The final Imabari FC vs Ventforet Kofu prediction would be to expect neither offense to shine, as both squads have experienced issues in front of goal.
Marcus Vinicius has been Imabari’s main attacking weapon with eight J2 League goals in 2025, but his performances are sporadic. Midfielder Taiga Son leads Kofu’s scoring with four in 18 J2 League appearances and is usually a catalyst when his performance levels are high enough.
