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Urawa Reds will entertain Yokohama F. Marinos at the Saitama Stadium in the second leg of the J League Cup semi-finals on Sunday.
The two rivals met at the Nissan Stadium in the first leg on Wednesday and Yokohama recorded a 1-0 home win to take the advantage on aggregate. Anderson Lopes continued his fine form, scoring the only goal of the match in the 61st minute from the penalty spot. Urawa's Hiroki Sakai was sent off in the dying moments of the match and will miss this match through suspension.
The hosts will look to secure a place in the final for the first time since winning the competition in 2016. They'll need to overturn a one-goal deficit and will look to count on the home advantage.
The visitors, meanwhile, will look to make the most of their narrow advantage on aggregate and book their place in the final for the first time since finishing as the runners-up in 2018.
Urawa Reds vs Yokohama F. Marinos Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two central Japanese rivals have locked horns 98 times in all competitions. The visitors have the upper hand in the head-to-head record with 51 wins to their name. The hosts have got the better of their southern rivals 33 times and 14 games have ended in draws.
- Reds have just two wins in their last 18 meetings against the visitors, with one coming at home and one coming in away games.
- Urawa Reds have failed to score in their three meetings against the visitors in 2023 thus far.
- Yokohama F. Marinos have just two wins in their last seven away games in all competitions.
- Interestingly, the hosts have the upper hand in 10 J League Cup meetings against the visitors, recording six wins.
Urawa Reds vs Yokohama F. Marinos Prediction
The Reds saw their 11-game unbeaten run across all competitions come to an end in the first leg and will look to return to winning ways. They are unbeaten in their last 16 home games in all competitions and are strong favorites in this match.
They have kept clean sheets in eight of their last 10 home games across all competitions. Veteran defender Hiroki Sakai is suspended for the match and his absence might have an impact on their defensive prowess.
The Marinos have recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins in two games this month. Interestingly, they have lost their last two away games in the J League Cup. They are unbeaten in their last four away games at Urawa Reds.
The last three meetings between the two teams have produced fewer than 2.5 goals, in which the hosts have failed to score. We expect the visitors to play for a draw, given their advantage on aggregate, and considering the current form of the two teams, a low-scoring draw seems to be on the cards.
Prediction: Urawa Reds 1-1 Yokohama F. Marinos
Urawa Reds vs Yokohama F. Marinos Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw (Yokohama to win on aggregate)
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least a goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Anderson Lopes to score or assist any time - Yes
