Machida Zelvia vs Avispa Fukuoka Prediction: The Hornet's Could Turn Out To Be A Formidable Opponent

Machida Zelvia will welcome Avispa Fukuoka to the Machida Stadium in the 19th round of the J1 League. 

Let's have a look at the latest J1 League between Machida Zelvia vs. Avispa Fukuoka, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Form: WLWWW

Machida Zelvia is the current J1 League leader this season and has been impressive for a team that's performing in the top tier for the first time in their club's history. They have amassed 38 points in 18 matches and are two points ahead of the second-placed Kashima Antlers. 

Under the guidance of Go Kuroda, the team has lost one of their last eight matches in the league (W6, D1). In the previous round, they defeated out-of-form Yokohama F. Marinos 3-1 away from home. This was compensation for their defeat against Tsukuba University in the Emperor's Cup before the international break. 

Form: WWWLL

Avispa Fukuoka currently occupies 7th place in the J1 League standings with 28 points amassed in 18 matches. They are level on points with sixth-placed Cerezo Osaka and six points adrift of third-placed Gamba Osaka. 

Shigetoshi Hasebe's men have started to find their feet after a disappointing start to the season. Currently, they are on a four-match winning streak across all competitions. In the previous round, they played host to Sagan Tosu, and goals from Ryoga Sato and Wellington saw them secure a comfortable 2-0 victory. This comes after defeating Fukuyama City 8-0 in the second round of the Emperor's Cup. 

• Machida Zelvia have won five of their last nine home matches in the J1 League.
• Avispa Fukuoka have scored first in four of their last six matches in the J1 League.
• Machida Zelvia averages 1.89 goals per game when playing at home, and Avispa Fukuoka averages 1.13 goals per game when playing away.

In the last 11 meetings, Machida Zelvia have won four times, Avispa Fukuoka have won four times, and there have been three draws, with the goal difference being 13-11 in favor of Machida Zelvia. 

Avispa Fukuoka are definitely a side high on confidence and will be aiming to topple league leaders Machida Zelvia, who too have been on impressive display. The Hachi come into this match riding a two-match winning streak on the road and could likely make life difficult for their opponents in this impending encounter. 

Machida Zelvia might be favorites with bookmakers, but there's no denying that they face a tough challenge in Avispa Fukuoka, a side they have failed to defeat in their last three matches, recording two losses and a solitary draw. As such, we anticipate a close and hard-fought match where both sides will be content with a point.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 2.27
• Draw/Avispa Fukuoka & Under 4.5 for 2.00
• Full-time Result - Draw for 3.50