Two teams in J1 League's midtable will compete on Wednesday as Avispa Fukuoka hosts Yokohama F Marinos.
The home side head into the game on the back of a five-match undefeated run in all competitions, while the visitors have won consecutive matches before this one.
Match preview
Avispa Fukuoka have been inconsistent throughout the season so far with seven wins, eight draws and four defeats, but that is something they have begun to turn around lately.
Shigetoshi Hasebe's men have gone five games undefeated in all competitions across their most recent outings, instilling a level of confidence and belief into the squad.
While they were held to a goalless draw against Machida Zelvia this past weekend, it did mark their fourth clean sheet on the bounce which is a positive step forward.
The defensive improvements have made Avispa Fukuoka difficult to break down and defeat lately, which is beneficial because they have struggled for goals throughout the season.
No team in the top half of the J1 League have scored fewer goals than them so far in this campaign, which is an area they now need to focus on and improve.
![Asahi Uenaka (F. Marinos), Football / Soccer : 2024 J1 League match between Yokohama F. Marinos 3-2 Sanfrecce Hiroshima at NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium, Kanagawa, Japan. JUNE 19, 2024[IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/25/asahi-uenaka-celebrates.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Asahi Uenaka (F. Marinos), Football / Soccer : 2024 J1 League match between Yokohama F. Marinos 3-2 Sanfrecce Hiroshima at NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium, Kanagawa, Japan. JUNE 19, 2024[IMAGO]")
© Imago
The visitors currently sit four positions below their opponents in 12th place currently, but they have the chance drawing level with them on points if they can win this match.
Yokohama have won seven games throughout the season, and they have also been a stronger team on the road as they have picked up four of them in away fixtures.
The fact they have the confidence to play out against teams in their own stadium is positive, and that is something that could be a difference-maker in this particular match.
Yokohama managed to win their previous two games heading into this one, both of which proved to be tight with a 3-2 win being followed by a 1-0 result.
It highlights their ability to grind out results regardless of how close the game is, and that is a positive situation that could be necessary for this match that is set to be even.
Team News
![FYokohama F. Marinos team group, Mannschaftsbild, Totale, Football / Soccer : 2024 J1 League match between Yokohama F. Marinos 3-2 Sanfrecce Hiroshima at NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium, Kanagawa, Japan JUNE 19, 2024[IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/25/yokohama-fpoint-marinos-team-photo.%20Marinos%20Team%20Photo.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "FYokohama F. Marinos team group, Mannschaftsbild, Totale, Football / Soccer : 2024 J1 League match between Yokohama F. Marinos 3-2 Sanfrecce Hiroshima at NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium, Kanagawa, Japan JUNE 19, 2024[IMAGO]")
© Imago
There is unlikely to be any defensive changes made to the Avispa Fukuoka lineup considering the impressive displays they have been putting together lately.
Shahab Zahedi was once again used as a substitute in their most recent fixture, but the forward could be used from the first minute this time around.
Katsuya Nagato had to miss out at the weekend after picking up an injury in the previous match, and it is unknown when the right-back will be back fit.
Asahi Uenaka and left-back Taiki Watanabe are at risk of suspension, putting pressure on their performances as it is unlikely any changes will be made.
Avispa Fukuoka possible starting lineup:
Murakami; Grolli, Tashiro, Miya; Oda, Matsuoka, Mae, Iwasaki; Konno, Wellington, Sato
Yokohama F Marinos possible starting lineup:
Popp; Matsubara, Kamijima, T. Watanabe, Eduardo; Amano, Kida, K. Watanabe; Matheus, Lopes, Inoue
We say: Avispa Fukuoka 1-1 Yokohama F Marinos
There is very little to split these two teams in the league table and that is something that should be reflected in this midweek fixture.
Both are heading into the game in good form and that should lead to a close encounter where the points could end up being shared.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
