Sanfrecce Hiroshima
- Sanfrecce Hiroshima have hit their stride in recent weeks with four wins in their last five and just one defeat.
- Sanfrecce have set up in a 3-4-2-1 system that allows them to build from the back, with wing-backs providing width and two advanced creators in the hole behind the striker, and they should control the pace and territory in this game.
JEF United Ichihara Chiba
- JEF United Ichihara Chiba have been less impressive, with their latest results being a 2-2 away draw with Avispa Fukuoka and a 1-2 home loss to the same opponent.
- Yoshiyuki Kobayashi's men have been a little better in their home games but have also struggled away, going 1-1-4 away.
- JEF have usually played in a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 system, a compact system with simple roles and lots of players to stop the ball in the middle third.
- They will look to hit the opponent on the break and should be able to find some joy in the spaces behind the wing-backs.
Key Players
- Shunki Higashi has assisted four goals in Sanfrecce Hiroshima's last five, which have seen them score 11 goals in total.
- Sota Nakamura has been a real threat for Sanfrecce, scoring four goals in the last five, but Hiroto Goya has carried JEF's recent attack, netting two goals in five.
Betting Insights
- Sanfrecce come into this game at 1.48 with JEF at 6.25, a big spread that really favours the home side to win and take all three points.
- However, JEF's style of play should ensure that this is a closer game than the odds suggest and the goal lines are pretty tight, with Under 2.5 coming in at 2.0 and Both Teams to Score at 1.85 for Yes and 1.8 for No.
Prediction
Back Sanfrecce to win but don't be surprised if they don't get it done in comfortable fashion.
