- Team form: V-Varen Nagasaki (2 wins and 3 defeats from their last 5) come into this game off the back of a 2-game losing streak, suffering successive defeats away to NEC Nijmegen and FC Utrecht.
- Betting odds: Kyoto Purple Sanga are the slim favorites at 2.45, but V-Varen's odds are an attractive 2.85, with the draw coming in at 3.2.
An away result could be on the cards
With V-Varen's recent issues against Kyoto in mind, we're going for an away win for Sunday's game at Transcosmos Stadium Nagasaki, Japan. We're not 100% sold on the odds or the form though, so we're taking the visitors with the cushion of the Double Chance market.
With Kyoto at 2.45 and V-Varen at 2.85, the draw is the only selection that falls into the 'value' bracket and that's coming in at a decent 3.2. It's the most likely outcome based on recent results, but we're happy to side with the visiting side who can do enough to avoid defeat.
Kyoto have 2 wins and 3 defeats from their last 5, but they have beaten V-Varen and Kashiwa Reysol during that run. They've won just 1 of their last 2 on the road, however, so they'll need to work for their points in this encounter.
Stylistic clash should suit V-Varen’s wing-backs
Form and numbers
Kyoto's away record across all competitions is 1 win and 4 losses from 5, so they don't have any notable momentum in this fixture. They score just 1.20 goals per-game away, but they concede 2.60 per-match, which is a clear area for improvement. V-Varen have been better at home of late, losing just 1 of their 4 home games across all competitions (W3, D0, L1) while scoring 2.25 and conceding 1.75 per-match on average.
Tactics
Takuya Takagi has set up his V-Varen side in a 3-4-2-1, with the wing-backs providing width in attack and the side transitioning quickly rather than pressing relentlessly.
Takagi's side are a compact unit and they'll be looking to pinch goals on the counter attack, while Ranko Popović's Kyoto Purple Sanga have been more aggressive of late. Popović's 4-2-3-1 sees the side pressing high, making quick transitions and playing with real forward momentum in midfield.
Key players & betting
That stylistic clash should make this a game where the wing-backs and full-backs have a chance to shine, with second balls and the flow of play likely to swing this game. Rafael Elias is Kyoto's sharpest tool in the box, having netted 2 goals across his last 5 appearances, and he's the most dangerous player on the pitch.
Under 2.5 goals looks like a better option than the current favourite, however, and Both Teams To Score – Yes looks the most natural alternative angle here at 1.79.
