As the J1 League heats up, Sagan Tosu and Sanfrecce Hiroshima prepare to face off in a pivotal match at Ekimae Real Estate Stadium on Sunday. With both teams looking to improve their positions in the table, this encounter promises to be a closely contested affair.
Team News and Projected Lineups
Sagan Tosu manager Kenta Kawai has a near full-strength squad to choose from, with Yoichi Naganuma returning from suspension. The hosts are likely to line up in their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation:
Sagan Tosu Predicted Lineup: Kosuke Yamazaki, Vinicius Araujo, Taichi Kikuchi, Wataru Harada, Cayman Togashi, Ayumu Yokoyama, Seiji Kimura, Yuki Horigome, Akito Fukuta, Keisuke Sakaiya, Il-Kyu Park
Sanfrecce Hiroshima boss Michael Skibbe faces some injury concerns ahead of the match. Key attackers Pieros Sotiriou and Makoto Mitsuta picked up knocks in last week’s victory over Avispa Fukuoka and are doubtful for this fixture. The visitors are expected to set up in a 3-4-2-1 system:
Sanfrecce Hiroshima Predicted Lineup: Yuki Ohashi, Tsukasa Shiotani, Sho Sasaki, Yoshifumi Kashiwa, Gakuto Notsuda, Hayato Araki, Rhayner, Douglas Vieira, Shunki Higashi, Keisuke Osako, Yuki Nogami
Recent Form and Statistics
Sagan Tosu enter this match in mixed form, having won three of their last five league games. However, they suffered a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Gamba Osaka in their previous outing. The Kyushu-based side currently sit 19th in the table with 23 points from 23 matches, desperately needing a positive result to climb out of the relegation zone.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima, on the other hand, have been more consistent lately. They’ve lost just once in their last five league encounters, picking up two wins and two draws. Their most recent result was a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Avispa Fukuoka, courtesy of a Yuki Ohashi strike. The Purple Archers occupy 5th place with 37 points from 23 games, still in contention for AFC Champions League qualification.
Head-to-Head Record
The historical matchup heavily favors Sanfrecce Hiroshima. They are unbeaten in their last 10 meetings with Sagan Tosu, winning five and drawing five. More impressively, Hiroshima have won the last three encounters without conceding a goal, including a 4-0 thrashing earlier this season.
Key Players to Watch
For Sagan Tosu, Brazilian forward Vinicius Araujo will be crucial to their attacking threat. The 28-year-old has been in good form recently and will look to test Hiroshima’s backline.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s danger man is undoubtedly Yuki Ohashi. The versatile attacker has been in scintillating form this season, contributing 10 goals and 3 assists in 21 league appearances. He’s scored in his last two outings and will be eager to extend that streak.
Prediction and Odds (Who Will Win)
Given the contrasting fortunes of these teams and their head-to-head history, Sanfrecce Hiroshima enter as favorites. Bookmakers have priced a Hiroshima win at 1.55, while a Sagan Tosu victory is offered at 5.75. The draw is available at 4.50.
Based on recent performances and the quality of both squads, a narrow Sanfrecce Hiroshima victory seems the most likely outcome. A 2-0 win for the visitors could be a good bet for those looking for a correct score prediction.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch this J1 League clash live on DAZN in select international markets. Local supporters in Japan can tune in to SKY PerfecTV for full coverage of the match.
As the season enters its crucial phase, both Sagan Tosu and Sanfrecce Hiroshima will be desperate for three points. With relegation fears and continental ambitions on the line, expect an intense and closely fought battle at the Ekimae Real Estate Stadium on Sunday.
