Avispa Fukuoka vs Shonan Bellmare Prediction & Betting Tips (26 October)

Avispa Fukuoka return to Best Denki Stadium for Round 35 of the J1 League with a sense of cautious optimism. Their recent form has been a mixed bag, with a goalless draw against Machida Zelvia and a narrow 1-0 win over Yokohama FC offering some respite from a string of losses. Manager Shigetoshi Hasebe has leaned heavily on the defensive trio of Takumi Shichi, Yuta Maejima, and Junya Ikeda to stabilize the backline, while midfield dynamo Kazuya Konno continues to orchestrate transitions. Up front, Shahab Zahedi and Yuto Iwasaki have shown flashes of brilliance but need to be more clinical. With home advantage and a slightly better league position, Fukuoka will look to capitalize on Shonan’s vulnerabilities.

Shonan Bellmare, currently languishing near the bottom of the table, are desperate for a turnaround. Their last five matches have yielded just one point, including a 2-0 defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos and a 1-0 loss to FC Tokyo. Head coach Satoshi Yamaguchi has struggled to find a consistent formula, often rotating his midfield options like Masaki Ikeda and Yuki Suzuki. The attacking duo of Riku Nitta and Yuki Oda have been isolated in recent fixtures, with service from the wings drying up. Defensive lapses have plagued the team, and goalkeeper Wataru Popp has been under siege more often than not. Bellmare’s away record is dismal, and morale appears to be waning as the season nears its end.

Historically, matches between these two sides have been tightly contested. Their last three J1 League encounters ended in draws, with neither team able to assert dominance. However, Fukuoka did manage a 3-1 win in the 2023 J.League Cup, and a 2-1 victory in the 2023 regular season, both at home. These results suggest that when playing in familiar territory, Avispa Fukuoka tend to find an extra gear. The tactical battle will likely hinge on midfield control and set-piece execution. With both teams struggling to score freely, the match could be decided by moments of individual brilliance or defensive errors.

Considering current form, squad depth, and historical edge at home, Avispa Fukuoka are poised to edge this contest. Shonan Bellmare’s lack of cohesion and poor away performances make them vulnerable, especially against a side that has shown resilience in tight matches. Expect Fukuoka to press early and exploit defensive gaps, while Bellmare may rely on counterattacks and hope for a set-piece opportunity. Our prediction is a 2-1 win for Avispa Fukuoka—a scoreline that reflects their slight superiority and Shonan’s persistent but limited threat.