Machida Zelvia vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Prediction: The Visitors Can Make This An Interesting Clash

Machida Zelvia will welcome Sanfrecce Hiroshima to the Machida Stadium in the first round of the J1 League. In the previous meeting between these two sides, Sanfrecce Hiroshima emerged victorious in a 2-0 home victory. 

Let's head into the match preview to find the best odds on the Machida Zelvia vs. Sanfrecce Hiroshima game and my expert picks to place your bets.

Machida Zelvia

Machida Zelvia had a memorable run in the 2023-24 J1 League campaign. In what was their top-flight debut, the team finished in third place with 66 points and were just six points behind the top spot. 

The home team did not conclude the season on a positive note as they suffered a 3-1 away defeat against Kashima Antlers, halting a two-match winning streak. 

Zelvia have been active in the transfer market and one notable signing they made during this window is that of centre back Yuta Nakayama from League One side Huddersfield. 

Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Sanfrecce Hiroshima had the opportunity to clinch the league title in the previous season but lost sight of the ball late in the competition. They finished in second place with 68 points and were four points behind the top spot.

In preparation for the season, Hiroshima played three pre-season games during which they won twice and drew once. 

They carried this momentum in their first competitive match against defending champions Vissel Kobe whom they beat 2-0 in the Super Cup. This was later followed by a 3-0 away thrashing of Nam Dinh in the AFC Champions League playoffs.

Match Facts

• Machida Zelvia has won two of their last eight league games.
• Sanfrecce Hiroshima is currently on a two-match winning streak across all competitions.
• Machida Zelvia has lost two consecutive matches against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
• Sanfrecce Hiroshima have seen over 2.5 goals scored in each of their last six away league games.

Head-To-Head

Sanfrecce Hiroshima has won the last two meetings between these two sides in the J1 League. The goal difference is 4-1 in favour of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Expert Betting Tips

Machida Zelvia was impressive in the previous season and it's still to be seen whether they can replicate another successful run this year. The hosts are a great team but I feel they'll have their backs against the wall in this one.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima won both matches against Machida Zelvia in the previous season and I'm expecting them to win here and make it three wins in a row. They have also tasted some real action this season participating in two competitive matches while emerging victorious in both encounters.

That said, I'm backing Sanfrecce Hiroshima to win here by picking them up in the full-time market. 

Our main prediction for the match: W2 for 2.13 with 1xbet.

2nd prediction: Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.77 with Betway. 

3rd prediction: Goals - Over 2.5 for 2.05 with Bet365.