J-League Preview: Hiroshima Sanfrecce Aim for Eighth Straight Win, Kashiwa Reysol’s Relegation Fears Linger

On August 25th at 5:30 PM, Hiroshima Sanfrecce will host Kashiwa Reysol in the 28th round of the J-League.

Hiroshima Sanfrecce secured a 2-1 victory over Nagoya Grampus in the 27th round of the J-League last weekend. Center-back Hayato Araki and forward Riku Kato scored two goals within seven minutes, establishing a lead. Although Danish striker Jon Dahl Tomasson pulled one back in the closing stages, it was not enough to salvage a point. Hiroshima manager Michihiro Skibe expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance in the post-match interview: “We were able to control the pace of the game well and actively disrupt play from the front, so I’m very satisfied with our performance. I ensured we focused on set-piece attacks in training, and I think we can continue to increase the number of set-piece goals in the future.”

Currently, Hiroshima Sanfrecce sits second in the J-League table with 13 wins, 10 draws, and 4 losses, trailing league leaders Machida Zelvia by 4 points. The race for the league title remains tight. In 13 home games this season, Hiroshima Sanfrecce has recorded an impressive 7 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses, boasting the third-best goal-scoring ability in the league. Their home defense is also among the best, conceding an average of only 1.08 goals per game. During the week, Hiroshima Sanfrecce secured a comfortable 2-0 away win against J2 side Ehime FC in the Emperor’s Cup. New summer signing Arslan put in an impressive performance in the match.

In terms of team lineup, Hiroshima Sanfrecce will still be without center-back Daichi Yamazaki and winger Koki Ohara due to injuries. Moreover, Cypriot forward Sotiriou and Brazilian midfielder Ezequiel are also likely to miss this round of the league. However, several media outlets reported that Hiroshima Sanfrecce is close to signing Portuguese former international Pauleta on a free transfer. If the deal goes through, it will significantly boost the team’s attack.

Visiting Kashiwa Reysol secured a crucial 2-1 victory over relegation rivals Shonan Bellmare in the last round of the league. Strikers Shinnosuke Sato and Koki Kinoshita scored goals through individual brilliance, effectively negating the late penalty goal scored by Hiroyuki Abe. Kashiwa Reysol manager Masami Ihara remarked on the team’s return to winning ways: “We realized in today’s game that we are actually a very strong team. We faced some tough moments in the first half, but we persevered and ultimately played the kind of football we wanted. I believe this victory belongs to the entire team.”

Kashiwa Reysol currently sits 15th in the J-League table with 8 wins, 9 draws, and 9 losses, maintaining a 5-point lead over the relegation zone. Their goal difference also gives them a significant advantage in the rankings. However, in 13 away games this season, Kashiwa Reysol has managed 4 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses, a record almost as good as their home form. During the week, Kashiwa Reysol lost 0-1 at home to Vissel Kobe, who fielded a full squad of substitutes. Kashiwa Reysol’s substitute striker Flot missed a golden opportunity to score in the final moments, turning their efforts into a wasted opportunity.

In terms of team lineup, Kashiwa Reysol will be without young forward Eishu Maegaya. Right-back Daiki Kaneko is also a doubt, which is not good news for a team playing twice in a week.

In the 20 previous encounters between the two teams, Hiroshima Sanfrecce has recorded 8 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses, holding a slight psychological advantage. In this round of the league, Hiroshima Sanfrecce, riding a seven-game winning streak across all competitions, will look to maintain their momentum on home soil. Kashiwa Reysol, whose relegation hopes are not yet secure, will aim to secure a point away from home. What kind of sparks will fly between these two teams?

>>”>For more predictions and betting tips for this match, click here>>>