Imabari vs Vegalta Sendai Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this J2 League clash between Imabari and Vegalta Sendai. On paper, there's a right old gulf in class between these two - Sendai sitting pretty in 4th spot with 58 points, while Imabari are lingering down in 10th with 49.

But football's not played on paper, is it? Let's dig into the recent form, and blimey, it tells a story. Imabari's last 10 games have seen them net 13 but also ship 13. The most telling stat? ZERO clean sheets in their last 10 matches. Not one! Their home form's been a bit hit and miss too - only one win in their last four at their own patch, with three draws thrown in for good measure.

Vegalta Sendai, on the other hand, have been proper solid on their travels. Unbeaten in their last four away games, mind you - one win and three draws. They've been finding the net regularly too, averaging 1.5 goals per game over their last 10, while keeping it tighter at the back than Imabari.

The only previous meeting between these two ended 0-0 back in April, but given how both teams have been playing since then, I'd be surprised if we see another goalless affair. Imabari just can't keep teams out, and Sendai know where the net is.

Looking at the odds, Sendai at 2.55 for the away win looks decent value to me. They're the better side, their away form's been excellent, and they're up against a team that can't defend for toffee. Sometimes you've got to follow the form, and Sendai's away form is shouting 'value' at me.

Key Points:

• Imabari have kept 0 clean sheets in their last 10 matches

• Vegalta Sendai unbeaten in last 4 away games (1W, 3D)

• Sendai sit 4th vs Imabari's 10th in the league table

• Both teams score in most games (Imabari 70%, Sendai 60%)

• Imabari's recent home form: only 25% win rate

The Verdict: Sendai's quality and solid away form should see them through here. Imabari's defensive record is shocking, and while they might score, Sendai have got too much about them to slip up here.