by Chuck Sommers
Friday, Mar 31, 2023
Time: 2 a.m. ET
Venue: Hiratsuka Kyujo, Japan
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
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Caesars: Check back later for odds
Season record
Gamba Osaka: 0-3-2
Shonan Bellmare: 1-2-2
Gamba Osaka vs Shonan Bellmare preview, prediction and analysis
On April 1, 2023, Gamba Osaka and Shonan Bellmare will face off in a highly anticipated J1 League matchup. Both teams will be looking to secure a valuable three points and make an early statement in the season.
Gamba Osaka had a solid 2022 season, finishing in seventh place in the J1 League and qualifying for the AFC Champions League. They will be looking to build upon their success and compete for the J1 League title this season.
Shonan Bellmare, on the other hand, finished in 15th place in the J1 League last season and narrowly avoided relegation. They will be looking to improve upon their record this season and avoid another relegation battle.
Both teams have some talented players who could make a big impact in this game, so let's take a closer look at what fans can expect.
One player to watch for Gamba Osaka is forward Ademilson. Ademilson had a solid 2022 season, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists in 31 appearances. He will be looking to continue his strong play in the upcoming season and lead Gamba Osaka to victory in this matchup.
Another player to watch for Gamba Osaka is midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi. Ideguchi had a strong 2022 season, scoring four goals and providing seven assists in 29 appearances. He will be looking to continue his strong play in the upcoming season and help lead his team to victory in this game.
On the Shonan Bellmare's side, one player to watch is forward Naoki Ishihara. Ishihara had a solid 2022 season, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in 32 appearances. He will be looking to continue his strong play in the upcoming season and lead Shonan Bellmare to victory in this game.
Another player to watch for Shonan Bellmare is midfielder Temma Matsuda. Matsuda had a solid 2022 season, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 30 appearances. He will be looking to continue his strong play in the upcoming season and help lead Shonan Bellmare to victory in this game.
When it comes to tactics, both teams have different styles of play that could make for an interesting matchup. Gamba Osaka typically play a possession-based style of football, looking to control the ball and create scoring opportunities through short passes and quick movement. Shonan Bellmare, on the other hand, typically play a more direct style of football, looking to play long balls forward and capitalize on their opponents' mistakes.
Both teams also have some solid defensive players who could make it difficult for the opposing attack to score. Gamba Osaka has a strong defense led by center back Kim Young-gwon and goalkeeper Masaaki Higashiguchi. Shonan Bellmare, meanwhile, have a solid defense led by center back Tatsuki Nara and goalkeeper Yota Akimoto.
Overall, this game promises to be an exciting matchup between two talented teams with different styles of play. Fans can expect to see some great individual performances and some tactical battles on the field. Whether you're a Gamba Osaka fan or a Shonan Bellmare fan, this is a game you won't want to miss.
One factor that could impact the outcome of the game is the home field advantage. Gamba Osaka will be playing at home in this matchup, which could give them an edge. The Gamba Osaka faithful are some of the most passionate fans in the J1 League, and their support could help give their team the boost they need to secure a victory.
On the other hand, Shonan Bellmare will not be intimidated by the hostile atmosphere at Gamba Osaka's home stadium.
Prediction
Falling victim to the trap game and avoiding being the first team to lose to a winless team. But as mentioned, I don't think Bellmare will be intimidated. Bellmare 2, Osaka 0
Falling victim to the trap game and avoiding being the first team to lose to a winless team. But as mentioned, I don't think Bellmare will be intimidated. Bellmare 2, Osaka 0
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Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
