Sagan Tosu tipped for narrow win in low-scoring Kofu clash

Sagan Tosu strengthened their squad in pre-season by signing goalkeeper Eisuke Fujishima, defenders Manato Yoshida and Kaito Abe, forward Toshiki Takahashi and Asian foreign player Park Ho-min. Midfielder Kenta Nishizawa, the club's leading scorer, remains with the team.

Ventforet Kofu brought in midfielder Hiroya Sueki during pre-season. Midfielder Kojirō Yasuda and forward Kazushi Fujii have stayed, while last season's top scorer, forward Yamato Naito, also remains at the club.

Sagan Tosu will be without injured midfielder Tokito Mizumaki and forward Daichi Suzuki. They have no suspended players.

Ventforet Kofu defender Keita Fukui is injured, while the visitors have no suspensions.

Sagan Tosu recorded a convincing pre-season friendly win over a lower-division club, giving them an early confidence boost. Although Ventforet Kofu are known for their defensive strength, the hosts still look capable of opening their campaign with a narrow victory.

Kofu lost a pre-season friendly without scoring and appeared slow to find their rhythm. They are expected to take a conservative approach away from home and make avoiding an early concession their priority. The recommendation is therefore under total goals and a home win.

Sagan Tosu are unbeaten in the teams' last two league meetings, with one win and one draw. They won the most recent encounter 3-2, while that match produced nine corners.