- Iwaki SC shocked V-Varen Nagasaki with a 4-3 away victory in their last head-to-head clash two months ago.
- V-Varen Nagasaki’s recent form reads unbeaten in five (W4, D1), with a current three-game winning streak.
- Iwaki SC has failed to secure victory in their last two home games against V-Varen Nagasaki.
Two contrasting clubs collide at Iwaki City Stadium
Iwaki SC sit 14th in the J2 League 2025 table, with 25 points from 22 games keeping them above the dreaded dotted line. Yuzo Tamura’s men have been unconvincing at home recently, losing one and winning one of their last two in Iwaki City, and look in for a tough test against a flying V-Varen Nagasaki on Saturday. For those interested, our Iwaki SC vs V-Varen Nagasaki prediction highlights just how difficult a match this promises to be.
Tamura has done a steady job at the helm of Iwaki since June 2023, prioritising organisation, structure and defensive discipline above all else. His side are rigidly compact, careful in build-up and unwilling to take unnecessary risks, looking to frustrate their opponents and strike on the counterattack.
Their recent games have been a mixed bag, winning two, drawing one and losing two in their last five, with Kaina Tanimura once again the talisman for Iwaki this season. The 28-year-old has scored eight goals in 22 J2 League appearances, bagging three in their last five.
Nagasaki’s form is flying
V-Varen Nagasaki have enjoyed a remarkable start to their J2 League 2025 campaign, currently sitting 6th in the table with 37 points from 22 matches. Takuya Takagi was recently appointed as manager, but his attacking mantra has quickly rubbed off on the players, as Nagasaki have looked like a completely different side recently. This Iwaki SC vs V-Varen Nagasaki preview underlines the transformation and current form coming into the clash.
V-Varen Nagasaki’s last fixture was a 2-1 away win at Montedio Yamagata, following another impressive 3-1 success on the road at Roasso Kumamoto. The visitors like to play on the front foot, pressing and using their attacking talent to dominate possession and release their forwards into dangerous spaces. Matheus Jesus has been a constant threat on the field, scoring ten goals in 22 J2 League games this term.
The odds stack up in V-Varen’s favour
V-Varen Nagasaki have won four, drawn four and lost three of their 11 J2 League away games. According to the latest Iwaki SC vs V-Varen Nagasaki odds, the bookmakers have V-Varen Nagasaki as clear favorites at -142, and Iwaki are big underdogs at +350 with the draw coming in at +250.
Iwaki SC, meanwhile, have won just three of their 11 home fixtures, drawing four and losing four.
Given the form of the two sides, this Iwaki SC vs V-Varen Nagasaki prediction concludes that Nagasaki look overpriced and should have enough to edge the victory on Saturday.
However, Iwaki SC’s 4-3 win in the previous game is a warning to the leaders not to get complacent.
V-Varen Nagasaki’s defensive record of 20 goals conceded in 11 J2 League road games, an average of 1.82, also makes them susceptible on away trips.
Yuto Yamashita has been a revelation for Iwaki this year, providing 3 assists to fuel 8 team goals across the last 5 fixtures.
In terms of Iwaki SC vs V-Varen Nagasaki betting tips, given the attacking quality on display from both sides in recent weeks, both teams to score looks like an excellent alternative bet for this fixture. The final Iwaki SC vs V-Varen Nagasaki prediction, therefore, suggests an exciting, open encounter for fans and bettors alike.
