Nakamura's hot streak could extend as Sanfrecce host struggling Reysol (Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Kashiwa Reysol prediction) | OneFootball

Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Kashiwa Reysol: J1 League Showdown Preview

Sanfrecce Hiroshima welcome Kashiwa Reysol to the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima this Sunday in what promises to be an intriguing J1 League clash between two sides with contrasting recent fortunes.

Form Guide

Hiroshima enter the fixture with momentum on their side following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Yokohama FC in their fourth league outing. Sota Nakamura's 78th-minute strike proved decisive in that encounter, continuing the midfielder's impressive run of form.

Kashiwa Reysol, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back after suffering a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Kashima in their previous match. The result has left them eager to return to winning ways and climb the early season standings.

Team News

Sanfrecce manager Michael Skibbe has assembled a defensively robust unit, with the experienced backline of Tsukasa Shiotani, Hayato Araki and Sho Sasaki providing a solid foundation. The January acquisition of Ryo Germain has added firepower to their attack, though the striker was at the centre of controversy when his ineligible appearance in an AFC Champions League 2 match resulted in a 3-0 forfeit defeat.

Reysol have undergone significant squad restructuring during the winter transfer window, with experienced midfielders Riki Harakawa from FC Tokyo and Yoshio Koizumi from Urawa Reds among their notable additions. These signings have quickly established themselves as key components in Reysol's engine room.

Key Players

For the hosts, Sota Nakamura has been influential in the final third, contributing with crucial goals while maintaining a 65.05% pass accuracy. Tsukasa Shiotani continues to excel both defensively and in attack, having found the net once this season with an impressive 80.34% pass completion rate.

Kashiwa's primary threat comes from Yuki Kakita, who has already registered two goals and two assists this campaign. The creative Yoshio Koizumi has also made a significant impact since his arrival, with one goal and two assists to his name, complemented by a stellar 78.39% pass accuracy.

Tactical Battle

Hiroshima's approach under Skibbe has been characterised by defensive discipline and calculated attacking transitions. The midfield trio of Hayao Kawabe, Shion Inoue and Shunki Higashi provides both defensive cover and creative impetus.

Reysol's midfield quartet of Kumasaka, Kubo, Koizumi and Harakawa offers technical quality and experience, with Tojiro Kubo (one goal, one assist) particularly influential in dictating play from deep positions.

Previous Encounters

Matches between these sides have historically been closely contested affairs, with both teams capable of producing moments of quality to decide games. The home advantage could prove significant for Sanfrecce, who typically perform strongly at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima.

Prediction and Betting Odds

The betting odds slightly favour Sanfrecce Hiroshima, reflecting their home advantage and more positive recent form. Hiroshima's defensive solidity, having conceded fewer goals than Reysol this season, gives them a slight edge.

Kashiwa's attacking threats cannot be underestimated, however, with Kakita and Koizumi capable of unlocking even the most organised defences. Their recent defensive frailties against Kashima will need addressing if they're to leave Hiroshima with a positive result.

Given Hiroshima's home advantage and superior defensive record, coupled with Reysol's attacking capabilities, we can expect a competitive but ultimately home-favoured encounter.

Predicted Score: Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-1 Kashiwa Reysol