by Chuck Sommers
Friday, Mar 31, 2023
Time: 1 a.m. ET
Venue: Denka Big Swan Stadium, Ngata, Japan
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: NL
BetMGM: NL
Caesars: NL
Season record
Nagoya: 3-1-1
Albirex: 2-2-1
Nagoya Grampus vs Albirex Niigata preview, prediction and analysis
The J.League season is well underway, and on April 1, two teams with contrasting fortunes will face off when the Nagoya Grampus host Albirex Niigata at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium. The Grampus have started the season in fine form, sitting atop the league table with three wins and a draw in their opening four games, while Albirex Niigata have struggled to find their rhythm, with just one win and three losses in the same period.
The Nagoya Grampus, managed by former Japan national team boss Akira Nishino, have been one of the standout teams in the league so far this season. They have scored 10 goals in their first four games, with the likes of Brazilian striker Jo and Japanese midfielder Yuki Soma leading the way. The Grampus have also been solid defensively, conceding just three goals in their first four games.
On the other hand, Albirex Niigata have struggled to find their form this season. The team has only scored two goals in their first four games, and they have conceded seven. The team's new manager, Tsutomu Ito, will be looking to turn things around quickly, but facing the league leaders away from home is a daunting task.
One of the key battles in this match will be between Jo and Albirex Niigata's center-back pairing of Ryo Takiya and Riku Matsuda. Jo has been in fine form this season, scoring four goals in four games, and his ability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play will be a major threat to Albirex Niigata's defense. Meanwhile, Takiya and Matsuda will need to be at their best to contain Jo and keep the Grampus from running riot.
Another important factor in this match will be the battle in midfield. Yuki Soma has been a standout player for the Grampus this season, and his ability to control the midfield and provide a link between defense and attack has been a key factor in the team's success. Meanwhile, Albirex Niigata's midfield will need to step up and provide more support to their attacking players if they hope to break down the Grampus defense.
The Paloma Mizuho Stadium is known for its lively atmosphere, and the Grampus' supporters will be hoping to see their team continue their impressive start to the season. However, Albirex Niigata will be looking to turn their fortunes around and earn their second win of the season.
Overall, this promises to be an intriguing matchup between two teams with contrasting fortunes. The Grampus will be looking to maintain their spot at the top of the league table, while Albirex Niigata will be hoping to kickstart their season with a shock victory away from home. With plenty of quality on both sides, this match is sure to provide plenty of entertainment for fans of Japanese football.
Prediction
Looking forward to seeing one of the top teams in the league try and keep this good start rolling. Going on the road is always a tough ask when it pertains to this, but there's something to be said about playing well at the right place at the right time, and I'd say that's something to consider heading into this game. Nagoya 3, Albirex 1
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Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
