On June 22nd at 2 PM, Machida Zelvia will host Fukuoka Yellows in the 19th round of the J. League at Machida GION Stadium.
Machida Zelvia secured a 3-1 comeback victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in the 18th round of the J. League last weekend. Despite conceding first, they remained composed and capitalized on set-piece opportunities through midfielder Hokuto Shimoda to ultimately deny Yokohama a much-needed win. This defeat left Yokohama manager Kevin Muscat facing potential dismissal. After the match, Machida coach Tsuyoshi Kuroda expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance and belief that they were truly the more determined side. Their aim now is to continue their winning streak and further extend their lead at the top of the table.
Currently, Machida Zelvia sits first in the J. League standings with a record of 12 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses. However, Kashima Antlers have closed the gap to just 2 points, making the title race very tight. This season, Machida Zelvia has a record of 5 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses in their 9 away games, suggesting their defensive performance is weaker on the road. This can be attributed to their more proactive and attacking approach at home. Additionally, they advanced to the next round of the J. League Cup after a 5-3 aggregate victory over Cerezo Osaka, meaning they face the challenge of playing two matches per week during this crucial period.
In terms of squad availability, Machida Zelvia will continue to be without the injured quartet of Takuya Anzai, Min-Gyu Jang, Sang-Ho Roh, and Mitchell Duke, who sustained their injuries during the Emperor’s Cup. Young center-back Daisuke Matsumoto is also sidelined. This leaves their bench looking particularly thin. Last round, Machida only made their first substitution in the 80th minute, indicating Kuroda’s dissatisfaction with the quality of his substitutes.
Visiting Fukuoka Yellows secured a 2-0 win over Kyushu rivals Sagan Tosu in their last league match. They scored twice through crosses from the flanks, and Brazilian forward Wellington has been in fine form, scoring the decisive goal and making a significant impact despite limited playing time. His performance provided a solid foundation for Iranian striker Zahidi, who came on as a substitute. After the match, Fukuoka’s starting right-back Itsuki Oda spoke about their upcoming clash with their former club, Machida: “Machida is my old team, but we really don’t want to lose to them this time.”
Fukuoka Yellows currently sit seventh in the J. League standings with a record of 7 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses. They remain 6 points off the continental competition places. However, their primary ambition is to avoid relegation, given their status as a low-budget team from Kyushu. In their 8 away games this season, Fukuoka Yellows have secured an impressive record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, showcasing their ability to pick up points on the road. In their previous two away games, they defeated fellow J. League teams Albireo Niigata and Kashiwa Reysol, proving their ability to break down tough defenses.
In terms of team news, Fukuoka Yellows will be without key winger Kazuya Konno due to suspension following an accumulation of yellow cards, which will significantly impact their attack down the flanks. Additionally, the team has suffered from the busy cup schedule, resulting in the loss of several substitutes, including Yota Maejima, Koyu Moriyama, Seito Touzawa, and Takumi Nagashi. This has put strain on their squad rotation options. Ben Khalifa, a key signing made by the club at the start of the season, has sustained two separate injuries, resulting in him missing every match. The club announced this week that he will be sidelined for three months.
In their previous three encounters, Machida Zelvia have struggled to find success against Fukuoka Yellows, managing only one goal in those matches. However, Machida, now playing at home, is a significantly improved team compared to previous years. Can Fukuoka overcome the challenge of facing the league leaders, especially with their wingers facing limitations?
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