Yokohama FC vs Vissel Kobe Prediction & Betting Tips (3 September)

Yokohama FC and Vissel Kobe are set to clash once again in the YBC Levain Cup, with the fixture scheduled for September 3, 2025, at NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium. The last time these two sides met, Yokohama FC stunned the J1 League contenders with a 1-0 away win, courtesy of a late strike from veteran forward Sho Ito. That result snapped a five-match losing streak for Yokohama and injected a dose of belief into Fumitake Miura’s struggling squad. Despite sitting 19th in the league table, Yokohama’s recent resilience—especially in cup competitions—suggests they may be ready to punch above their weight once more.

Vissel Kobe, meanwhile, are licking their wounds after a string of mixed performances. Their recent 0-1 loss to Yokohama FC was preceded by a 0-2 defeat to Machida Zelvia and a 1-3 friendly loss to Barcelona, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that Takayuki Yoshida must urgently address. With key players like Yuya Osako and Daiju Sasaki underperforming in recent outings, Kobe’s attacking rhythm has faltered. However, the team remains third in the J1 League standings, and their overall form this season has been strong enough to suggest they won’t stay down for long.

Yokohama’s squad, though modest in market value, has shown flashes of individual brilliance. Solomon Sakuragawa continues to be a physical presence up front, while midfielders like Kota Yamada and Kaili Shimbo have contributed creatively despite the team’s overall struggles. Goalkeeper Jakub Slowik has been a reliable last line of defense, and Miura’s tactical tweaks—especially the use of a compact midfield—have helped Yokohama absorb pressure and strike on the counter. Their recent win over Kobe was a textbook execution of this strategy, and they’ll likely lean on similar methods in the upcoming cup tie.

Given the recent head-to-head and the psychological edge Yokohama now holds, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of the home side feels plausible. Kobe will undoubtedly press high and dominate possession, but if Yokohama can replicate their disciplined defensive shape and capitalize on Kobe’s lapses, a narrow victory is within reach. Expect a tense, tactical battle with Yokohama FC edging it through a late goal—perhaps from Sho Ito again—while Kobe finds the net through Osako but falls short of a comeback.