Sanfrecce Hiroshima
- Sanfrecce Hiroshima have lost four consecutive matches, winning just one of their last five in the J League 2026.
- Bartosch Gaul’s side like to be patient in the first half, playing through the midfield and using their wide players to overload opposition full-backs while building a head of steam in phases.
Shimizu S-pulse
- Shimizu S-pulse have won four of their last five J League 2026 matches.
- Takayuki Yoshida’s team are built on the other end of the spectrum with a pressing game that looks to catch teams on the counter-attack.
- The Blue Wings like to be direct, using long passes and wing-backs to supply width before pressing and transitioning to a quick forward move.
Head-to-Head
Shimizu S-pulse beat Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-1 at home in the reverse fixture of this clash two weeks ago.
Key Players
- Ryo Germain, who has three goals in eight J League 2026 games this season, remains Sanfrecce’s main outlet up front.
- Se-Hun Oh, the South Korea international, has five goals in nine J League 2026 appearances, including four goals in his last five.
Betting Insights
A high-scoring game could ensue, with over 2.5 goals and both teams to score looking likely given recent form and styles.
Prediction
- Shimizu S-pulse can again take all three points in this early-season match after the recent 3-1 win in the reverse fixture.
- Oh’s form in front of goal could be decisive and help Shimizu come out on top.
