Verdy's direct exits can move this match away from the possession game Fukuoka recently pressed effectively. The important contest is the receiver after the first duel and the cover around that player. Morita's recent involvement gives Verdy a demonstrated connection between a recovery and a forward run.
Under Naoki Soma, Verdy have shown a route through Morita into Fujimoto and another through a recycled cross from Mizoguchi to Yamada. Fukuoka's recent defensive concessions involved a dropping receiver and runners moving beyond the outside centre-back. Those interactions matter more here than the raw shot advantage from their last match.
The current league notice confirms Someno and Maeda suspended for this match. Someno already missed Verdy's previous game, while Maeda started for Fukuoka, changing the midfield partnership behind their pressure. Morita appeared in both recent matches and supplied an assist in the latest one; that supports a meaningful role without assuming a full match.
I expect direct play and second-ball contests early, followed by a greater role for the available creators after the interval. Verdy's demonstrated forward connections give them a way to keep producing useful attacks in a close contest. That's why I'm siding with Verdy, with a level finish returning the selection.
