Frontale's fortress to prove too strong for struggling Bellmare (Kawasaki Frontale vs Shonan Bellmare prediction) | OneFootball

Kawasaki Frontale vs Shonan Bellmare: Title Challengers Look to Continue Momentum

Kawasaki Frontale will aim to build on their impressive recent form when they host Shonan Bellmare in J1 League action at Todoroki Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The hosts, currently sitting fourth in the table, enter the fixture in confident mood following a commanding 3-0 victory over FC Tokyo last time out, while ninth-placed Bellmare will be desperate to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Shimizu S-Pulse.

Form Guide

Kawasaki's season has gathered significant momentum in recent weeks. After suffering a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Kyoto Sanga in their fourth league match, Shigetoshi Hasebe's side have responded impressively, particularly in their last outing where they dismantled FC Tokyo away from home.

Their continental form has also been encouraging, with a 4-0 thrashing of Shanghai Shenhua in the AFC Champions League Round of 16 second leg compensating for a narrow 1-0 first-leg defeat.

Shonan Bellmare's form has been more inconsistent. Satoshi Yamaguchi's men have collected three wins, two draws and two defeats from their opening seven fixtures. However, their recent results suggest a downturn, with consecutive losses to Vissel Kobe (2-1) and Shimizu S-Pulse (3-0) halting what had been a promising start.

Key Players

Kawasaki's attacking threat has been spearheaded by Shin Yamada and Erison, who have been finding the net regularly. The midfield creativity of Yasuto Wakizaka has been instrumental in their success, while young defender Kota Takai continues to impress at the back alongside the experienced Yuichi Maruyama.

For Bellmare, Akito Suzuki has been their standout performer with three goals this season, supported by Sho Fukuda who has contributed two goals and an assist. Korean defender Min Tae Kim, known for his impressive 91% pass accuracy, anchors their backline.

An interesting subplot sees Zé Ricardo, on loan from Kawasaki to Bellmare, eligible to face his parent club in this fixture.

Team News

Kawasaki will continue to be without defender Shintaro Kurumaya, who remains sidelined after an injury sustained in Champions League action. Brazilian centre-back Jesiel is still recovering from a hamstring problem picked up in January.

Bellmare midfielder Hiroyuki Abe is set to make his 300th J1 League appearance if selected, a significant milestone for the 35-year-old veteran.

Historical Context

Kawasaki stands on the verge of a notable achievement, needing just one goal to reach 700 home goals in their J1 League history. Their home form has generally been strong this season, making them favourites heading into this encounter.

Prediction

Kawasaki's superior quality and home advantage should prove decisive against a Bellmare side that has struggled defensively in recent outings. The hosts' attacking firepower, particularly with Yamada and Erison in form, should be too much for the visitors to handle.

Predicted Score: Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 Shonan Bellmare