Bottom-placed Albirex desperate for first win as clinical Gamba visit (Albirex Niigata vs Gamba Osaka prediction) | OneFootball

Albirex Niigata Seek First Win as Gamba Osaka Visit Denka Big Swan

Albirex Niigata will be desperate to secure their first victory of the season when they host Gamba Osaka at the Denka Big Swan Stadium this Saturday in J1 League action.

The home side find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table after a disappointing start to the campaign, having collected just three points from six matches. Manager Daisuke Kimori's men have shown resilience in attack at times, scoring five goals, but defensive frailties have seen them concede 10 times already this season.

Gamba Osaka, under the guidance of Daniel Poyatos, arrive with mixed form but sitting comfortably in seventh place. Their all-or-nothing campaign has seen them record three wins and three losses, with no draws to their name.

Team News

Albirex received a timely boost with midfielder Yuji Hoshi returning to full training this week after recovering from a left thigh injury sustained against Cerezo Osaka in Round 4. His potential return could provide much-needed stability in midfield.

"I'm eager to contribute and help the team get our first win," Hoshi told club media this week.

Gamba Osaka will likely stick with a similar lineup to that which lost 2-0 against Yokohama F. Marinos, with Shu Kurata and Issam Jebali expected to lead their attacking efforts.

Form Guide

The hosts' recent form makes for grim reading. Albirex have drawn two and lost three of their last five matches, most recently falling to a 1-0 defeat at Machida Zelvia. Their home form has been marginally better, securing draws against Tokyo Verdy and Cerezo Osaka.

Gamba Osaka have been inconsistent but effective, winning three of their six matches this season. Their away form has been particularly impressive, securing a 1-0 victory at Tokyo Verdy in their penultimate road trip.

Key Players

Motoki Hasegawa has been Albirex's brightest spark, leading their scoring charts with two goals. Michael James Fitzgerald has provided defensive stability with an impressive 86.15% pass accuracy.

For the visitors, veteran Shu Kurata continues to deliver with two goals this season, while Tunisian forward Issam Jebali has contributed one goal and one assist. Israeli midfielder Neta Lavi has also impressed with his all-round performances.

Previous Meetings

Recent encounters between these sides have typically been tight affairs, with both teams capable of producing moments of quality.

Prediction

Albirex Niigata's desperation for a first win could work both for and against them. The return of Hoshi might provide the spark they need, but Gamba's ability to grind out results away from home makes them dangerous opponents.

The visitors have shown they can capitalise on defensive weaknesses, which could prove decisive against an Albirex side that has conceded in every match this season.

While the home crowd at Denka Big Swan will create a vibrant atmosphere, Gamba's experience and clinical edge should see them through in what promises to be a closely contested match.

Predicted Score: Albirex Niigata 1-2 Gamba Osaka