Ulsan Hyundai
- The K-League side are under caretaker coach Noh Sang-rae after Shin Tae-yong was sacked in early October after a pragmatic but ultimately unsuccessful spell at the club.
- Ulsan began their AFC campaign with a 2-1 home victory over Chengdu Rongcheng followed by a 1-1 away draw against Shanghai Shenhua.
- Erick Farias is their main threat in attack, but there is enough quality and energy from Um Won-sang and Kang Sang-woo to impact the game in wide and forward areas.
- Jo Hyeon-woo is the senior pro and an experienced international at the heart of the defense; his shot-stopping prowess has been vital this summer.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
- Sanfrecce Hiroshima begin their AFC Champions League Elite campaign with an away fixture against Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i on Tuesday and it’s hard to look beyond the visitors getting a good result. Furthermore, our Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima betting tips suggest the visitors have the edge based on their current form.
- Sanfrecce have started the season strongly in the J1 League and are currently sitting comfortably in the top half of the table.
- Michael Skibbe’s side opened their ACL Elite group with a confident 2-0 home win over Melbourne City and arrive in Korea looking to continue their strong start in this season’s competition.
- Skibbe has instilled a structured, possession-based game in which his team press as a unit and overload the wide areas, getting the ball wide quickly and then flooding the box.
- There’s plenty of quality in Sanfrecce’s frontline with Ryo Germain the star of the show.
- Marcos Júnior’s goal in their opener was a nice touch and the Brazilian’s pace and trickery can unlock any defence.
- The midfield is led by the evergreen Hayato Araki, who is backed up by Hayao Kawabe.
First meeting
This is the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs in any competition, which could set up a fresh continental rivalry . The Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima prediction is particularly intriguing as this will be their inaugural showdown.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
- Ryo Germain - has found the net regularly and is a constant threat to the opposition’s defense.
- Marcos Júnior - the Brazilian’s pace and trickery can unlock any defence.
- Hayato Araki - experienced midfield leader.
- Hayao Kawabe - central to controlling tempo.
Ulsan Hyundai
- Erick Farias - main attacking threat.
- Um Won-sang - provides energy and width.
- Jo Hyeon-woo - experienced goalkeeper whose shot-stopping has been vital.
Betting Insights
- Sanfrecce are the bookmakers’ favorites at 2.16 to win, with Ulsan listed at 3.21.
- Over 2.5 goals is coming in at 1.67, and this Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima betting tips section highlights the high-scoring potential of the match.
Short forecast
- Sanfrecce’s run of results and stability at the helm of the team should see them through this one as long as they maintain their current level of play. According to our Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima betting tips, backing Sanfrecce looks like a sensible choice.
- The clash between Ulsan’s transitional bursts and Sanfrecce’s midfield domination and control of the tempo will be a chess game where whoever controls Hayao Kawabe and the central axis of the pitch will dictate tempo and terms.
