TIPS - Nagoya Grampus VS Shimizu S-Pulse

[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]:
1. The J1 100 Year Vision League has no relegation pressure but features a high prize pool, making each victory highly valuable. Nagoya Grampus aim to leverage their home strength to secure a win and start the new season on a positive note.
2. Nagoya Grampus strengthened their squad in the 2026 winter transfer window by signing forward Kyota Sakakibara and Brazilian foreign player Indio, adding further quality to the team.
3. Nagoya Grampus recorded 11 wins, 10 draws, and 17 losses in 38 J1 League matches last season, ultimately accumulating 43 points and ranking 16th in the league, staying 8 points above the relegation zone to continue competing in the league.
4. Nagoya Grampus recorded 8 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses in 19 home league matches last season, ranking 11th in home performance. They secured 3 wins and 2 losses in their last five home games, showing overall decent home form.
5. In their last five encounters, Nagoya Grampus recorded 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, holding a significant advantage in head-to-head records.
6. Nagoya Grampus are favored with a home handicap of -0.50 in this match, indicating external confidence in them and a relatively favorable situation.

[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]:
1. The absence of starters, including goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt and forward rotation player Yuya Yamagishi due to injuries, impacts the team's strength.
2. Nagoya Grampus scored only 4 goals and conceded 8 in their last five matches, indicating an imbalance in both offensive and defensive performances recently.

[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Strength]:
1. As a mid-table J1 League team, Shimizu S-Pulse may adopt a more relaxed mindset under the no-relegation pressure of the new season, which could benefit their performance. Playing away and with recent poor form, their primary goal is to stabilize, avoid defeat, and strive for points.
2. Shimizu S-Pulse forward Koya Kitagawa scored 10 goals last season, ranking among the top scorers in the J1 League and serving as a crucial scoring threat for the team.
3. Shimizu S-Pulse recorded 11 wins, 11 draws, and 16 losses in 38 J1 League matches last season, ultimately accumulating 44 points and ranking 14th in the league standings, staying 9 points above the relegation zone and successfully avoiding relegation.

[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]:
1. Injuries to some starters in Shimizu S-Pulse may affect their midfield organization.
2. Shimizu S-Pulse recorded 5 wins, 4 draws, and 10 losses in 19 away league matches last season, ranking 13th in away performance. They suffered defeats in their last three away games, showing overall mediocre away form.
3. Shimizu S-Pulse conceded 12 goals in their last five matches, indicating relatively poor defensive performance recently.
4. Shimizu S-Pulse lost their last three matches in AH, showing relatively mediocre recent performances.

[Tips]:
Nagoya Grampus recorded 11 wins, 10 draws, and 17 losses in 38 J1 League matches last season, ultimately accumulating 43 points and ranking 16th in the league.

Shimizu S-Pulse recorded 11 wins, 11 draws, and 16 losses in 38 J1 League matches last season, ultimately accumulating 44 points and ranking 14th in the league standings.

In their last five encounters, Nagoya Grampus recorded 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, holding a significant advantage in head-to-head records.

The incentives of the new competition format, the substantial home advantage, and the psychological dominance from historical encounters all fuel Nagoya Grampus' strong desire for victory.

Shimizu S-Pulse's weakness in away matches and historical disadvantages are difficult to reverse in a short time.

Nagoya Grampus are favored with a home handicap of -0.50 in this match, indicating a relatively favorable situation.

Comprehensive analysis suggests that Nagoya Grampus have a very high probability of securing all three points at home.

[Recommended]:
Nagoya Grampus (-0.5)