J1 League Gameweek 3

Cerezo Osaka vs NS Shimizu S-pulse

Yodoko Sakura Stadium

Match Preview

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
74
Cerezo Osaka
vs
Shimizu S-pulse
Sat, Aug 22 • 10:00 日本語
⚡ Form 100
⚖️ Balance 97
🏆 Stakes 50
⭐ Stars 37
Early momentum on the line.

Win Probability

  • Cerezo Osaka 42%
  • Draw 28%
  • Shimizu S-pulse 31%

Futmetrix AI estimate

Early Season Shadow Boxing

Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 74/100. An evenly matched clash that offers a glimpse into whether these opening-day winners can build genuine momentum.

The Setup

Cerezo Osaka host Shimizu S-pulse at Yodoko Sakura Stadium with both sides looking to build on their victorious starts to the J1 League campaign. A massive Balance score points to a remarkably tight contest on paper. However, with the season in its infancy, a modest Stakes rating reflects the lack of immediate pressure. Neither side boasts a high Stars rating, meaning collective organization will dictate the tempo over individual brilliance. Solid Form across the board suggests confidence is flowing freely in both camps.

Key Battle

With individual matchups hard to isolate, this fixture will be won in the midfield trenches. The home side's engine room must disrupt the visitors' transitional play and prevent them from settling into a rhythm. Expect a gritty, physical battle for possession in the center of the park.

Our Prediction

A tactical stalemate. Both sides will prioritize avoiding defeat over taking massive risks. Expect a tightly contested 1-1 draw, with the defensive units largely neutralizing the opposing attacks throughout the 90 minutes.

Key Questions

Should I watch this match?

Skip it unless you follow these clubs. Early-season clashes often lack the urgency needed for a classic.

What's the predicted outcome?

A hard-fought 1-1 draw as both teams cancel each other out tactically.

Where are Cerezo Osaka and Shimizu S-pulse in the league table?

Cerezo Osaka sits 6th and Shimizu S-pulse is 8th, with both teams on three points.

What is Cerezo Osaka's current form?

They kicked off their campaign with a solid victory, securing three points and scoring two goals.

Who is the in-form player to watch?

Keep an eye on Koya Kitagawa of Shimizu S-pulse, who boasts 1 goal in 1 match and an impressive 7.6 average rating.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
03/07/2026 Cerezo Osaka 0 - 0 (PEN 4-2) Shimizu S-pulse J1 League Yodoko Sakura Stadium
11/09/2025 Shimizu S-pulse 1 - 4 Cerezo Osaka J1 League IAI Stadium Nihondaira
06/01/2025 Cerezo Osaka 4 - 2 Shimizu S-pulse J1 League Yodoko Sakura Stadium
06/26/2022 Cerezo Osaka 1 - 1 Shimizu S-pulse J1 League Yodoko Sakura Stadium
03/12/2022 Shimizu S-pulse 1 - 3 Cerezo Osaka J1 League IAI Stadium Nihondaira
12/04/2021 Shimizu S-pulse 2 - 1 Cerezo Osaka J1 League IAI Stadium Nihondaira
03/10/2021 Cerezo Osaka 2 - 1 Shimizu S-pulse J1 League Yanmar Stadium Nagai
11/14/2020 Shimizu S-pulse 3 - 1 Cerezo Osaka J1 League IAI Stadium Nihondaira
07/08/2020 Cerezo Osaka 2 - 0 Shimizu S-pulse J1 League Yanmar Stadium Nagai
11/30/2019 Cerezo Osaka 2 - 1 Shimizu S-pulse J1 League Osaka Nagai Stadium
03/07/2026
0 - 0 (PEN 4-2)
J1 League Yodoko Sakura Stadium
11/09/2025
J1 League IAI Stadium Nihondaira
06/01/2025
J1 League Yodoko Sakura Stadium
06/26/2022
J1 League Yodoko Sakura Stadium
03/12/2022
J1 League IAI Stadium Nihondaira
12/04/2021
J1 League IAI Stadium Nihondaira
03/10/2021
J1 League Yanmar Stadium Nagai
11/14/2020
J1 League IAI Stadium Nihondaira
07/08/2020
J1 League Yanmar Stadium Nagai
11/30/2019
J1 League Osaka Nagai Stadium
Cerezo Osaka Win
Shimizu S-pulse Win
Draw

Season Statistics

6
League Position
8
3
Points
3
2
Goals Scored
1
1
Goals Conceded
0

League Standings

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Kashiwa Reysol 2 6 5 2 +3
2 Machida Zelvia 1 3 5 1 +4
3 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1 3 3 0 +3
4 Kashima 1 3 4 3 +1
5 Gamba Osaka 1 3 4 3 +1
6 Cerezo Osaka 1 3 2 1 +1
7 V-varen Nagasaki 1 3 2 1 +1
8 Shimizu S-pulse 1 3 1 0 +1
9 Vissel Kobe 1 3 1 0 +1
10 Kawasaki Frontale 1 1 1 1 0
11 Tokyo Verdy 2 1 2 4 -2
12 Yokohama F. Marinos 1 0 3 4 -1
13 Urawa 1 0 3 4 -1
14 Mito Hollyhock 1 0 1 2 -1
15 Kyoto Sanga 1 0 1 2 -1
16 Fagiano Okayama 1 0 1 2 -1
17 Avispa Fukuoka 1 0 0 1 -1
18 Nagoya Grampus 1 0 0 1 -1
19 JEF United Chiba 1 0 0 3 -3
20 FC Tokyo 1 0 1 5 -4
P: 2 GD: +3
P: 1 GD: +4
P: 1 GD: +3
4 Kashima 3 pts
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: 0
11 Tokyo Verdy 1 pts
P: 2 GD: -2
P: 1 GD: -1
13 Urawa 0 pts
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -1
15 Kyoto Sanga 0 pts
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -3
20 FC Tokyo 0 pts
P: 1 GD: -4