Vissel Kobe's recent improvement may just proved to be enough for them to survive in the J league for one more season. I am very impressed with their recent revival bid. They seem more determined to put things right and results are going their way quite comfortably. Kobe though are a different proposition away from home. They have the third worst away record in the J league, reading 2-3-8. Some may say that Shimizu are not as efficient at home compared to their travels but I believe their recent good form will see them through here. Moreover, defeat for Kashima on Saturday means that Shimizu could really close the gap at the top down to four points and judging by the way the leaders are crumbling emphatically, you never know what will happen come end of season.

Shimizu will be pumped up for this one I guess. They have been prolific over their last ten games with some crucial one goal wins. Kobe might have been better of late but the number of goals that they are conceding is a worrying sign for them as Shimizu are deadly at times. Go for the home team to deliver the goods in what is a very important game for them.

Pick: Shimizu -0.75