Preview: Nagoya Grampus vs. Avispa Fukuoka - prediction, team news, lineups

They will host Avispa Fukuoka who are currently in the bottom half of the table, but that is something they could change with a victory themselves.

Match preview

After losing just two of their opening 16 matches in the J1 League Nagoya Grampus have made a fantastic start to this campaign which is reflected by the fact they are currently sat third in the table.

With just a single point between them and the league leaders that is something that they could change with three points on Sunday if other results go their way.

Nagoya Grampus are currently enjoying a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions, and that is something that has established a lot of confidence and belief in the group.

Their most recent league match saw the team dominate Cerezo Osaka with a 3-1 victory, despite the fact that they conceded in the fourth minute of the match.

While Nagoya Grampus have not been as free-scoring in comparison to other teams they have been more impressive defensively, and that is something that organisation is something that has led to a lot of success for them.

The visitors may have progressed in the Emperor's Cup during midweek, but prior to that they lost two matches consecutively in the J1 League which saw them drop down to 11th in the table.

Another loss this weekend could see them slip even further which is something that they will need to be wary of as they look to start progressing rather than dropping.

However, Avispa Fukuoka have been unable to win a single match on the road so far this season which is something they will look to address this weekend.

A big issue for them has been attempting to find the back of the net away from home, scoring just six times in their seven matches to this point.

Considering a win could see the visitors push into the top half of the table there is plenty of incentive for them heading into this one.

Nagoya Grampus J1 League form:

D

W

L

W

W

W

Avispa Fukuoka J1 League form:

W

L

D

D

L

L

Team News

Kasper Junker is likely to lead the line for the hosts this weekend as has been the case lately, with the Danish forward bringing plenty of experience to the team.

He should have Mateus Castro and Kensuke Nagai sat just behind him as well, adding, even more, attacking quality to the team overall.

The visitors have been using a 4-4-2 formation as of late which provides plenty of structure to the team and that could be important heading into this particular fixture.

Shun Nakamura and Hiroyuki Mae have been at the heart of the midfield lately, and that is something that should continue.

Nagoya Grampus possible starting lineup:

Langerak; Fujii, Nakatani, Maruyama; Izumi, Inagaki, Yonemoto, Morishita; Castro, Nagai; Junker

Avispa Fukuoka possible starting lineup:

Nagaishi; Maejima, Grolli, Nara, Oda; Konno, Nakamura, Mae, Lukian; Sato, Yamagishi

We say: Nagoya Grampus 2-0 Avispa Fukuoka

Nagoya Grampus will be considered the favourites heading into this match due to their league positions and considering the recent form and the struggles Avispa Fukuoka have displayed on the road, it should lead to the hosts taking all three points.

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