Albirex Niigata vs Kochi United Prediction

Saturday morning J2 League action sees Albirex Niigata host early pace-setters Kochi United, and if the early season form is anything to go by, we should be in for an entertaining affair with goals at both ends.

Albirex come into this sitting pretty in 3rd place with nine points from four games, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're solid at home. The stats show they've been leaking goals for fun on their own patch – conceding two per game across their last three home outings. Sure, they managed a couple of clean sheets against Imabari and Kamatamare, but that 4-0 shellacking by Tokushima Vortis a few weeks back showed there's a soft underbelly there when faced with decent attacking sides.

And speaking of decent attacking sides, Kochi United have been absolutely flying. Top of the table with ten points from four games, they're the only unbeaten side left in the division. They've found the net in every single J2 match so far, including a cracking 3-2 win over Kanazawa and a 2-2 draw at promotion favourites Osaka where they showed real character to come back twice. Even away from home they're averaging 2.5 goals per game in this league – not bad for a side that was in J3 last term.

The maths makes interesting reading here. The bookies have Albirex as 1.80 favourites, which looks a touch short given Kochi's start and the fact the visitors have actually been outscoring their opponents in expected goals terms (1.50 to 1.17). At 4.90, the away win is tempting for the brave, but both teams scoring feels like the safer route into this one at 1.85.

Albirex have scored in three of their four J2 matches, and with Kochi's defensive line yet to keep a clean sheet in the league (they've conceded in both away games), there's every chance the hosts get on the scoresheet. Combine that with Kochi's potent attack and Albirex's tendency to ship goals at home, and you've got a recipe for a lively encounter.

Key Points:

• Kochi United are unbeaten in J2 (3W, 1D) and have scored in all four matches

• Albirex Niigata have conceded 2.00 goals per game at home recently, including a 4-0 defeat to Tokushima

• Kochi are averaging 2.5 goals per game away in J2 this season

• Both teams have shown attacking intent in early season fixtures with open, entertaining matches

• The 1.85 on Both Teams To Score offers value against the implied probability

Summary:

This has the makings of a proper end-to-end J2 clash. Albirex will fancy their chances at home but Kochi have started the season like a train and won't sit back. With both sides finding the net regularly and defensive frailties evident, the 1.85 on Both Teams To Score is the pick of the prices. Back BTTS Yes.