Kyoto Sanga vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Sanga Stadium by Kyocera is the venue as Kyoto Sanga and Sanfrecce Hiroshima lock horns in a handsomely-looking J1 League fixture.

Stuck in the bottom half of the J1 League table, Kyoto Sanga head into proceedings having won just one of their last five league outings (D1, L3). Each defeat in that five-game sequence yielded an identical 1-0 scoreline, highlighting Kyoto’s ability to keep their matches competitive. They will need another stubborn performance to stay afloat, with relegation-threatened Gamba Osaka sitting only three points behind. Back at the Sanga Stadium by Kyocera, the ‘Sanga will feel comfortable after losing just one of their last four home league fixtures (W2, D1). A cagey, keenly-contested affair could be on the cards, as Kyoto’s five previous home J1 League matches have featured a full-time margin of under 1.5 goals (W2, D1, L2).

In the meantime, Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s underwhelming streak of one win from four J1 League outings (D1, L2) has seen them lose some ground on the top three. But a victory here would draw them level on points with third-placed Kawasaki Frontale, underlining the importance of this road trip. There’s plenty of reason for optimism, as Michael Skibbe’s men have won their last four top-flight meetings with Kyoto, each by a multi-goal margin. However, the visitors can ill-afford to rely on their recent H2H record after picking up just two triumphs from nine J1 League away games this season (D4, L3).