Shonan Bellmare — Kawasaki Frontale : Match Preview and Prediction for September 23,2025

Team Form and Crisis

What can be said? The team is in a severe decline. Fourteen matches without a league victory is no longer just a dip in form; it signifies a systemic crisis. Their recent 1-3 loss against Nagoya is a stark illustration of this struggle. The coach himself described his team’s performance as ‘pathetic’ after the game, a sentiment difficult to disagree with. The defensive play and goalkeeping position are particularly concerning.

Defensive Vulnerabilities

Goalkeeper Yoshida Sun made an egregious error with his footwork, directly leading to a goal. Such concessions are simply unacceptable at the level. Furthermore, the defense is plagued by chaos, marked by disciplinary actions and unforced errors. The statistics paint a grim picture: Shonan is the league’s worst team in terms of goals conceded, having let in 53 goals in 30 games, averaging nearly two goals per match.

Offensive Inefficiency and Injuries

Beyond personnel issues, performance problems are evident. In their match against Nagoya, Shonan registered 23 shots on goal, yet only 4 were on target. Their Expected Goals (xG) stood at 2.58, but they managed to score only once. This highlights an alarmingly low conversion rate of chances. Compounding these issues are injuries to two goalkeepers, including their primary starter Kamifukumoto, making the overall outlook quite bleak.

Recent Form and Offensive Prowess

Indeed, Kawasaki suffered a 0-1 defeat to Tokyo in their last match, ending their winning streak. However, this single loss should not be overemphasized. Prior to that, the team enjoyed a dominant run, securing three consecutive league victories and scoring an impressive 12 goals in those fixtures. Frontale is an offensive powerhouse, boasting the best goal-scoring record in the with 53 goals to their name.

Tactical Approach and Goal Scoring

Their playing style is characterized by ball control and high pressing, a strategy that consistently yields results. Kawasaki’s players have scored 46 goals from inside the penalty area, which is the highest figure in the tournament. Even with the recent setback, their attacking prowess remains undiminished. In the match against Tokyo, they maintained 59% possession and managed 13 shots.

Key Player Focus and Defensive Gaps

Tatsuya Ito deserves special mention. His six-match consecutive scoring streak has concluded, but he remains a pivotal figure in their attack. Following this brief pause, he is expected to enter the field with renewed vigor against the league’s weakest defense. While Kawasaki faces some defensive personnel losses, their formidable offense is more than capable of compensating for any backline shortcomings, especially when facing an opponent of this caliber.