Machida Zelvia welcome Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Machida GION Stadium, Tokyo on Sunday, Nov 8 at 6:00 AM in a J1 League fixture that's tighter on paper than the positions suggest — just 2 points split them in the table.

Machida Zelvia come into this fixture in mixed form (2W 2D 1L). Sanfrecce Hiroshima, meanwhile, arrive in good form (3W 1D 1L recently) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks. Machida Zelvia head into this on the back of a defeat, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima arrive off a win — momentum clearly with the visitors.

Despite playing at home, Machida Zelvia face a side that has dominated this fixture historically. Sanfrecce Hiroshima have won 4 of 4 encounters. Their last encounter ended in Machida Zelvia won 1–2. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 2.8 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: This looks an evenly matched contest. Home advantage gives Machida Zelvia a slight edge, but Sanfrecce Hiroshima are capable of causing problems. A draw would be a fair result.