Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Vissel Kobe will meet in the next round of the J1 League on Friday, 5 July.
With both teams itching to get closer to the very top, who will prevail in this game? Read our Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Vissel Kobe prediction and preview to find out.
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Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Vissel Kobe prediction: Hosts to get the points
Key stats
- Sanfrecce Hiroshima have only lost once in their last eight matches in the league.
- The last there H2H meetings between these teams have gone under 2.5 total goals.
- Hiroshima have gone under 2.5 total goals in their last three games in the league, while Visse Kobe have done the same in four of their last six matches in the J1 League.
Correct score prediction: Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-0 Vissel Kobe
Two of the previous three H2H meetings between these teams have ended with the hosts winning 2-0 and we can see that happening on Friday once again.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Sanfrecce Hiroshima slightly favoured to win
- HOME: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.50%
- DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.30%
- AWAY: 15/8 (2.88) – 34.80%
We can see from these Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Vissel Kobe odds that the bookies expect a very close match, but the hosts are seen as the expected winners by a small margin.
After all, this is a duel between two teams separated by just three points in the standing. So, while Hiroshima are in a better form recently, it should still be an exciting matchup.
Anyhow, if you like our picks for this duel, make sure check out our favourite betting tips for today as well.
Last five H2Hs: Sanfrecce Hiroshima the better team lately
With three wins over Vissel Kobe in their previous five duels, along with one loss and one draw, we can see that Sanfrecce Hiroshima have done a bit better recently. Furthermore, Hiroshima have the advantage in the overall H2H record with Vissel Kobe as well: 24-13-13.
Japan J-League 16/03/24
Vissel Kobe
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Japan J-League 16/09/23
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Vissel Kobe
Japan J-League 13/05/23
Vissel Kobe
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Japan J-League Cup 19/04/23
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Vissel Kobe
Japan J-League Cup 05/04/23
Vissel Kobe
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Sanfrecce Hiroshima preview: Hoping to stay close to the top
Given that Sanfrecce Hiroshima have only lost three times in 21 games in the J1 League this season, their fans might feel hard done by seeing their team sit in seventh place in the standings, due to a lot of draws. However, Hiroshima are also just nine points behind league leaders Machida Zelvia and four points behind second place, so they can still climb further up.
Meanwhile, Taichi Yamasaki is the only player on Hiroshima's injury list right now.
Predicted lineup: Osako (GK), Sasaki, Nakano, Shiotani, Higashi, Kawamura, Matsumoto, Arai, Kato, Ohashi & Sotiriou
AFC Champions League Two 03/10/24
W
Eastern SC
2
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
3
Japan J-League 28/09/24
W
Machida Zelvia
0
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
2
Japan J-League 22/09/24
W
Yokohama F-Marinos
2
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
6
AFC Champions League Two 19/09/24
W
Kaya FC
0
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
3
Japan J-League 14/09/24
D
Kashima Antlers
2
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
2
Vissel Kobe preview: Still in pursuit of their second title in a row
While Vissel Kobe have suffered three losses in the last seven games in the league, they remain close to the very top since they're currently fourth and just six points behind Machida Zelvia. Still, they will need to be more consistent in the second half of the season if they want to defend their title.
When it comes to team news, Mitsuki Saito remains out with an injury, while Takayuki Yoshida is questionable.
Predicted lineup: Maekwa (GK), Sakai, Yamakawa, Honda, Hatsuse, Yamaguchi, Ogihara, Miyashiro, Muto, Sasaki & Osako
AFC Champions League Elite 02/10/24
W
Shandong Taishan
1
Vissel Kobe
2
Japan J-League 28/09/24
W
Urawa Red Diamonds
0
Vissel Kobe
1
Japan FA Cup 25/09/24
W
Kashima Antlers
0
Vissel Kobe
3
Japan J-League 22/09/24
W
Albirex Niigata
2
Vissel Kobe
3
AFC Champions League Elite 17/09/24
D
Buriram United
0
Vissel Kobe
0
Player to watch: Yuki Ohashi
The experienced striker is Hiroshima's top scorer in the league so far with nine goals and we can see him adding to his tally against Vissel Kobe as well.
Will Ohashi score first?
Five of the nine Ohashi's goals in the J1 League this season were the first goal of the game, so we might see that happen once again this Saturday.
