Shonan Bellmare — Kyoto Sanga : Match Preview and Prediction for October 19,2025

Current Predicament of Shonan Bellmare

Shonan Bellmare’s seemingly endless dive to the bottom of the table appears hopeless. The team currently occupies 19th place, with no signs of improvement in sight. The facts speak for themselves: a grim streak of seven consecutive league defeats, and their last victory dates back to May. This slump has truly become protracted.

Struggles Against Direct Rivals and Squad Departures

Recent failures in matches against direct relegation rivals, Yokohama FC and Tokyo Verdy, have been particularly painful. Losing to such opponents is a direct route to the second division. The team has lost its core and is struggling to find its rhythm, a situation compounded by the departure of talented young players who moved to Europe during the summer transfer window.

Offensive and Defensive Woes

Statistics from their last encounter against Tokyo Verdy highlight a major issue. Despite dominating possession with 63% of the ball, Shonan’s players failed to create a single clear scoring opportunity, accumulating a paltry 0.44 xG. Their attack is simply dysfunctional, as evidenced by two consecutive games without scoring a single goal. Meanwhile, their defense is the worst in the league, having conceded 57 goals this season.

Kyoto Sanga’s Title Contention

At the opposite end of the table, we find Kyoto Sanga. The team holds a strong second place and is actively vying for the championship title. In stark contrast to their upcoming opponent, Kyoto has remained undefeated in their last three matches, consistently demonstrating both character and class.

Away Form and Offensive Prowess

Kyoto’s key asset in this particular fixture is their exceptional away performance. They are, in fact, the league’s best away team, having secured 9 victories from 17 matches on the road. Furthermore, in their last five away games, they have netted an impressive 11 goals, marking the best scoring record in the J-League during that period. Their attack operates with remarkable precision and efficiency.

Season Statistics and Head-to-Head Advantage

Overall season statistics further underscore the team’s potent attacking capabilities. Kyoto ranks second in the total number of goals scored across the league. Additionally, the skilled forward Marco Tulio is set to return to action after an injury, which will undoubtedly add more versatility to their offensive options. It’s also important to note their recent head-to-head encounters: Kyoto has emerged victorious in their last two matches against Shonan, with scores of 2-0 and 1-0, keeping clean sheets in both games.