The big picture

Shimizu S-Pulse come in 15th on the ladder with 14 points; Vissel Kobe are 5th on 27. Vissel Kobe are the side higher up the table.

Shimizu S-Pulse are 12–19–3 in J1 League 2026, averaging 0.9 goals for and 1.4 against.

Vissel Kobe are 19–10–2 in J1 League 2026, averaging 1.6 goals for and 1.1 against.

Form

Shimizu S-Pulse have won zero of their last five and most recently lost to Tokyo Verdy 1969 0–1.

Vissel Kobe have won three of their last five and most recently beat Ratchaburi 3–2.

Shimizu S-Pulse have lost their last four.

Vissel Kobe arrive on a 3-game winning streak.

Head to head

These sides have met 6 times on our records since 2022: Shimizu S-Pulse 2, Vissel Kobe 3, 1 drawn.

Last time out (2026), Vissel Kobe won 2–0 at Kobe Wing Stadium.

Biggest margin between these two: Vissel Kobe by 2 goals in 2026 (2–0).

Players to watch

For Shimizu S-Pulse, watch Oh Se-Hun (0.3 goals a game, 2 assists in 2026) and Yudai Shimamoto (0.2 goals a game, 1 assist in 2026).

For Vissel Kobe, watch Ren Komatsu (0.7 goals a game in 2026-27) and Yuya Osako (0.3 goals a game, 2 assists in 2026-27).

At IAI Stadium Nihondaira

Shimizu S-Pulse have won 8 of their last 21 at IAI Stadium Nihondaira.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder and history, Vissel Kobe go in as clear favourites.