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League leaders Machida Zelvia will invite Yokohama F. Marinos to the Japan National Stadium in the J1 League on Saturday. The hosts are at the top of the league table with a five-point lead over second-placed Gamba Osaka. The visitors, on the other hand, are in 12th place with 29 points, 20 fewer than the hosts.
The hosts are unbeaten in their last six league outings and made it three wins on the trot last week with a 1-0 away triumph over Tokyo Verdy. Shota Fujio took his tally for the season to nine goals as he scored the only goal of the match in the sixth minute.
The visitors returned to winning ways after four consecutive losses in the league last week. They registered a comeback 4-1 home win over Kashima Antlers. They conceded in the 29th minute and Jun Amano equalized late in the first half. Dudu, Elber, and Asahi Uenaka scored in the second half.
Machida Zelvia vs Yokohama F. Marinos Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- There's not much history between the two teams and they have met just twice thus far. They first met in the Emperor's Cup last season and again in the reverse fixture earlier this season, with the hosts winning both games.
- The hosts have kept four clean sheets in their last five league games and have failed to score in two games in that period.
- Machida Zelvia have scored seven goals in two meetings against the visitors while conceding twice.
- Yokohama F. Marinos have just one win in their last 10 away games in all competitions while suffering seven defeats.
- The hosts have outscored the visitors 36-35 in 23 league games thus far and also have the better defensive record, conceding just 17 goals.
Machida Zelvia vs Yokohama F. Marinos Prediction
Zelvia have been in good touch recently and are on a three-game winning streak in the league. They are unbeaten in their last two home games, keeping clean sheets, and will look to build on that form.
Marinos are unbeaten in their last two games and scored four goals for the first time since May in their 4-1 win last week and will look to build on that form. They have suffered four losses in their last five away games in all competitions, which is a cause for concern.
Machida have a 100% record in this fixture, scoring seven goals in two games, and considering their home advantage, they are expected to register a comfortable win.
Prediction: Machida Zelvia 2-1 Yokohama F. Marinos
Machida Zelvia vs Yokohama F. Marinos Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Machida Zelvia to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Shota Fujio to score or assist any time - Yes
