Shimizu S-Pulse — FC Tokyo : Match Preview and Prediction for October 04,2025

Home Team’s Defensive Focus

The home side approaches this match with a clear tendency towards low-scoring outcomes, especially on their home turf. Looking at the facts: in 5 out of their last 6 home games, Shimizu did not score more than two goals. This statistic is not accidental but a direct consequence of their playing style.

Umeda’s Stellar Goalkeeping

The team has established a very organized defense, where goalkeeper Togo Umeda has become the main star. His statistics are simply impressive: 6 clean sheets in the last 8 matches and the league’s best save percentage at 91%. With such a guardian between the posts, breaking through Shimizu’s defense is a formidable task for any opponent.

Attacking Struggles

However, the team’s attacking prowess leaves much to be desired. Over the previous 10 rounds, Shimizu’s players have scored only 7 goals – one of the worst records in the league. In their last match against Vissel Kobe, they managed only 2 shots on target.

Key Player Fitness Concerns

The reasons for such low productivity are evident. Midfielder Zento Uno, returning from injury, himself admits that his condition is far from ideal, estimated at about 65%. Attacking midfielder Kazuki Kozuka has also only recently started getting playtime after a series of injuries, which affects creativity in the final third of the pitch.

Visiting Team’s Performance

The capital club also doesn’t boast high productivity, especially in away fixtures. Their previous encounter against Yokohama F. Marinos (2:3) should not be misleading. That defensive collapse, when the team conceded three goals in 11 minutes, appears more like a systemic malfunction rather than a regular pattern.

Recent Defensive Solidity

Prior to that game, Tokyo had a streak of four matches where the total goals did not exceed two: three 1-0 victories and a 1-1 draw. This is more indicative of their actual playing style recently. Moreover, there’s a strong trend: in 12 out of their last 18 away matches, FC Tokyo conceded no more than two goals.

Nagakura’s Absence Affects Attack

The main blow to Tokyo’s attacking potential is the injury to forward Miki Nagakura. The player, who joined the team in the summer, became a key figure in attack, scoring 7 goals in 13 appearances. His loss is a huge problem for the capital team, as he was their primary source of goals.

Impact on Offensive Power

Without Nagakura, Tokyo’s attack becomes significantly less potent. This is also confirmed by statistics from recent head-to-head matches. In April this year, Shimizu defeated Tokyo 2-0 away, completely stifling their offense.