Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Preview: Vissel Kobe vs. Consadole Sapporo - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 29 June 2023, 16:10
Vissel Kobe will be looking to earn back-to-back wins when they host Consadole Sapporo at NOEVIR Stadium Kobe in the J League on Saturday evening.

The hosts are hunting down Yokohama F Marinos at the top of the table, while Consadole are currently marooned in mid-table after some poor form of late.

Match preview

Vissel Kobe responded well to their League Cup exit a fortnight ago by turning on the style against Avispa Fukuoka at Best Denki Stadium last weekend.

Yuya Osako got the visitors that day off to a flying start by scoring after 22 minutes, and a second-half brace from veteran winger Yoshinori Muto sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory on the road.

That success in Fukuoka last time out was the Ushi's first away league maximum since they smashed Kashima Antlers 5-1 on April 15 - a fact which is largely why Takayuki Yoshida's men are not top of the table.

Vissel currently sit second in the J League standings, three points behind Yokohama, although Kobe have played a game fewer than their title-chasing counterparts.

The hosts on Saturday possess the J League's sternest defence, with Yoshida's charges conceding just 13 goals in 17 league games so far, allowing Daiya Maekawa to keep a total of nine clean sheets.

Consadole Sapporo's winless run in all competitions extended to three matches last Saturday with a disappointing 4-1 loss at home to top-three chasing Cerezo Osaka.

The hosts at Sapporo Dome found themselves three goals down within 38 minutes after strikes from Leo, Mutsuki Kato and Hinata Kida, and in truth Mihailo Petrovic's men never looked like recovering from a poor first-half showing.

Consa were knocked out of the League Cup by second-tier side Jubilo Iwata at Sapporo Dome a week earlier, meaning a trip to Kobe on Saturday evening may be welcome distraction from troubles at home for the team.

Since winning the second tier in 2016, Consadole have never finished below 12th in the J League, and with them currently sitting in ninth at the halfway point, Sapporo could be on for another season of mid-table safety.

If only away form was considered then Petrovic's charges would be challenging for a place in the AFC Champions League, with Consa collecting 16 points from nine league outings so far this term.

Vissel Kobe J1 League form:

W

W

D

W

L

W

Vissel Kobe form (all competitions):

W

D

W

L

L

W

Consadole Sapporo J1 League form:

W

W

L

W

D

L

Team News

Vissel are likely to name an unchanged side from the one which dismantled Avispa last time out, meaning Yuki Honda and Matheus Thuler will continue at centre-back, aiming to help Maekawa earn his 10th clean sheet of the campaign.

Koya Yuruki will partner the dangerous duo of Osako and Muto in the hosts' attack on Saturday - the 27-year-old will be hoping to add to his six goal contributions this season.

As for Consadole, Daiki Suga is expected to keep his place in the back three despite being replaced by attacker Gun-Hee Kim early in the second half of their defeat last weekend.

Thailand international Supachok Sarachart has scored just once in nine J League appearances this term, meaning Yuki Kobayashi could be drafted into the side to offer a more creative edge.

Vissel Kobe possible starting lineup:

Maekawa; Sakai, Thuler, Honda, Hatsuse; Saito, Yamaguchi, Sasaki; Muto, Yuruki, Osako

Consadole Sapporo possible starting lineup:

Sugeno; Tanaka, Okamura, Suga; Kaneko, Arano, Nakamura, Fernandes, Komai; Asano, Sarachart

We say: Vissel Kobe 3-1 Consadole Sapporo

Vissel will be full of confidence after their convincing away victory last weekend, and they should back themselves to score freely against a Consadole side who have conceded seven goals in their last two matches.

Previews by email
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Kyogo Furuhashi refuses to rule out Celtic exit amid Tottenham Hotspur links
Celtic forward Kyogo Furihashi has refused to rule out a potential exit from the Scottish giants this summer amid interest from Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'agree £60m deal with Chelsea for Mason Mount'
Manchester United have reportedly agreed a £60m package with Chelsea for Mason Mount, with the attacker set to move to Old Trafford on a five-year contract.
29 June 2023
talksport.com
Man United make breakthrough in Mount pursuit as £60m deal moves closer
Manchester United have struck a deal with Chelsea for the signing of Mason Mount, talkSPORT understands.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Manchester United takeover bid is reportedly 'dead in the water', with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani now firmly the favourite to purchase the club.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Aston Villa 'on brink of signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres'
Aston Villa are reportedly on the brink of signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Sadio Mane breaks silence on punching Leroy Sane, discusses Bayern Munich future
Sadio Mane has broken his silence on the heated altercation with Bayern Munich teammate Leroy Sane in April.
29 June 2023
talksport.com
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could move to LaLiga as Ange Postecoglou revamp continues
Atletico Madrid are interested in a summer move for Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, talkSPORT understands.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Minnesota United vs. Portland Timbers - prediction, team news, lineups
Both Minnesota United and Portland Timbers will be bidding to return to winning ways when they lock horns in the MLS Western Conference on Saturday night.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'make contact over Randal Kolo Muani move'
Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible summer deal for striker Randal Kolo Muani.
29 June 2023
talksport.com
The three reasons Arsenal fans will thank Chelsea for letting go £105m-rated Declan Rice
Declan Rice's meteoric rise will be capped off when he completes his imminent £105million switch to Arsenal.
29 June 2023
talksport.com
Man United and Ten Hag reluctant to sell Greenwood as preferred route revealed
Manchester United are reportedly in favour of loaning out Mason Greenwood rather than selling him.
29 June 2023
talksport.com
Aston Villa set to complete cut-price deal for top transfer target Pau Torres
Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Pau Torres from Villarreal for less than his £55million release clause.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'yet to make final decision on David de Gea future'
Manchester United have reportedly not yet made a final decision on David de Gea's future despite the fact that the goalkeeper is entering the final hours of his contract at Old Trafford.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Valerenga Fotball vs. Viking FK - prediction, team news, lineups
Two sides with contrasting positions in the Norwegian Eliteserien face off at the Intility Arena on Saturday evening, as Valerenga Fotball go head-to-head with Viking FK in an eagerly anticipated clash.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool suffer major blow in Ryan Gravenberch pursuit
Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch has revealed that he expects to remain at Bayern Munich next season.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Erik ten Hag 'against Manchester United selling Mason Greenwood'
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is reportedly against the club selling Mason Greenwood this summer, with a loan exit emerging as the likeliest outcome.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Malmo vs. Sirius - prediction, team news, lineups
Top-of-the-table Malmo host Sirius in round 13 of the Swedish Allsvenskan on Saturday, aiming to strengthen their position at the top of the league standings.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Bamber Bridgevs.PrestonPreston North End
Preston North End begin their pre-season preparations with a friendly fixture away against non-league local rivals Bamber Bridge at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Saturday.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United
Manchester United forward Antony has firmly denied allegations of assault after being questioned by police in Brazil.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Guatemala vs. Canada - prediction, team news, lineups
Guatemala can book their place in the knockout stage of the Gold Cup for the first time since 2011 with a victory over Canada on Saturday at Shell Energy Stadium.
29 June 2023
talksport.com
Son bizarrely becomes a year younger with South Korean law change
Son Heung-min has bizarrely become a year younger after South Korea changed their traditional age-counting method.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
CardiffCardiff Cityvs.Pen-y-BontPen-y-Bont
Erol Bulut begins his reign as Cardiff City manager with a pre-season friendly against fellow Welsh side Pen-y-Bont at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Fraserburghvs.Celtic
Brendan Rodgers kick-starts his second spell in charge of Celtic with a fundraiser friendly match away against Highland League side Fraserburgh on Saturday.
29 June 2023
talksport.com
Gabby Agbonlahor clarifies Conference League insult as he prepares for Villa's Euro trip
Gabby Agbonlahor has praised Unai Emery's impact at Aston Villa and admits he is excited to see the club return to European football.
29 June 2023
talksport.com
Morgan reveals the one player Arsenal must 'break the bank' for to win trophies
Piers Morgan gave his seal of approval to Arsenal's imminent signing of Declan Rice before naming another player they should break the bank to sign.
29 June 2023
talksport.com
Simon Jordan grills Eni Aluko live on air as she doubles down on viral Declan Rice claim
Simon Jordan and Eni Aluko had a fiery debate about Manchester City's perceived interest in Declan Rice live on talkSPORT.
29 June 2023
talksport.com
Coady and Winks sign, plus Man City loanee - Leicester team to seal Premier League return
Leicester City clearly mean business as they look to conclude their transfer dealings early ahead of the new season.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Inter Milan 'willing to pay €30m to sign Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku'
Inter Milan are reportedly prepared to propose a €30m (£25.93m) deal for Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Nashville SC vs. DC United - prediction, team news, lineups
Nashville SC looks to put two uncharacteristic defeats in MLS behind them when they welcome DC United to Geodis Park on Sunday morning.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Ethan Nwaneri 'on verge of signing new Arsenal deal'
Arsenal are reportedly making progress in contract talks with academy product Ethan Nwaneri and are confident of tying the 16-year-old down to a new deal.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution - prediction, team news, lineups
A top-of-the-table clash in MLS sees FC Cincinnati welcome New England Revolution to the TQL Stadium on Sunday morning.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution - prediction, team news, lineups
A top-of-the-table clash in MLS sees FC Cincinnati welcome New England Revolution to the TQL Stadium on Sunday morning.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Juventus 'interested in re-signing Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero'
Juventus reportedly want to re-sign Argentine defender Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
29 June 2023
talksport.com
Leaked footage shows moment McGregor laid hands on Chandler in heated exchange
Leaked footage has showed the moment Conor McGregor laid hands on Michael Chandler during their heated exchange on The Ultimate Fighter.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Wolverhampton Wanderers withdraw from pre-season tour of South Korea
Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced that they will not be proceeding with their pre-season tour of South Korea.
29 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool 'ready to pay world-record fee for PSG's Kylian Mbappe'
Liverpool are allegedly willing to break the world transfer record to bring Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe to Anfield.
Show more

Top News

17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Record Women's Champions League winners Lyon Women will travel to Germany for Tuesday's quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich Women. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea's priority in the summer is said to be the purchase of a new striker, while a new winger is also expected to join the club. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bayern Munich have reportedly decided bid for Manchester United winger Antony, who is currently on loan at Spanish side Real Betis. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal Women will travel to the Spanish capital for Tuesday's Women's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid Femenino at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. 16 March 2025 talksport.com "It's all for these fans. They deserve everything." 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly identified Wolfsburg defender Konstantinos Koulierakis as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk should he leave Anfield. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In a match that could have ramifications for both the National League's chase for promotion and relegation battle, Gateshead are set to host Braintree Town at Gateshead International Stadium on Tuesday. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona fought back from two goals behind to record a stunning 4-2 victory over title rivals Atletico Madrid in Sunday night's La Liga contest at Wanda Metropolitano. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Micah Richards could not resist joining in with Newcastle hero Dan Burn's Carabao Cup final celebrations. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that "it's hard to know" the extent of Ayden Heaven's injury at this stage of proceedings, with the centre-back set to be assessed by the club's medical stuff next week. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Eddie Howe has told Sports Mole that some of his "iconic" Newcastle United players will go on to establish themselves as club "legends" after steering the Magpies to EFL Cup glory in Sunday's final against Liverpool. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Leicester's defeat to Manchester United sees them set an unwanted Premier League record as their season goes from bad to worse. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho both ended long goalscoring droughts in Manchester United's 3-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday night. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah suffered an unwanted personal first during the Reds' 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the final of the 2024-25 EFL Cup at Wembley. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Mohamed Salah endured one of his most difficult afternoons in Liverpool colours during their heartbreaking Carabao Cup final defeat. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has told Sports Mole that he would rather get straight back into action next week as opposed to waiting for the international break to end following his side's gut-wrenching EFL Cup final loss to Newcastle United. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Eddie Howe's Newcastle United side wrote themselves into club history at Wembley on Sunday courtesy of a famous 2-1 triumph over Liverpool in the EFL Cup final. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven has suffered a potentially-serious injury during Sunday's Premier League clash with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. 16 March 2025 talksport.com A bottom-half finish in the Premier League could be rewarded with a European berth. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Bruno Guimaraes was unable to control his emotions after helping Newcastle end their 70-year trophy drought. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Newcastle have won their first major domestic trophy since 1955 courtesy of a deserved 2-1 victory over a limp and lifeless Liverpool side at Wembley. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Newcastle have ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy with a stunning Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly put a €70m (£59m) offer on the table for Barcelona attacker Raphinha. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been passed fit for Sunday's Premier League clash against Leicester City, while Mason Mount is on the bench for the 20-time English champions at the King Power Stadium. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Mikel Arteta has walked out of another post-match interview, but this time he was only joking. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Six clubs are reportedly in the running for Lille forward Jonathan David, with the Canada international set to become a free transfer at the end of June. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Mathys Tel urged Tottenham fans to remain behind the team in a heated conversation with angry fans after yet another defeat. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney hailed Wycombe Wanderers as a 'beautiful organisation' following their rapid response to a fan who was taken ill. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United attacker Antony has suggested that he wants to complete a permanent move to a team in Spain this summer amid suggestions that Real Betis and Real Sociedad could go head-to-head for his signature. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has said that he understands the frustrations of the club's supporters following Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.