Vissel Kobe v Machida Zelvia

Vissel Kobe vs Machida Zelvia Preview

Vissel Kobe were dealt a disappointing 2-1 defeat away from home at Gamba Osaka in the Japanese top flight on the weekend which not only prevented Vissel kobe from closing the gap on the top three teams in the division but the hosts now trail third placed Gamba Osaka by a four-point margin, while Machida Zelvia were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Avispa Fukuoka but the visitors still remain top of the J-League standings.

Vissel Kobe had seemingly been on course for moving up into the top three of the J-League table earlier in the season as the hosts had racked up an impressive four wins on the trot with victories gained over Nagoya Grampus, Albirex Niigata, Cerezo Osaka and Avispa Fukuoka respectively, but subsequent results have been less convincing.

Indeed, Takayuki Yoshida's side have managed to capture just one more win in their subsequent five matches in J-League which came in the form of a 1-0 home win against Kawasaki Frontale but also includes being dealt three defeats within this recent period as well.

Losses to Kashima Antlers, Tokyo Verdy and Gamba Osaka suggest a home win here for Vissel Kobe could be in serious doubt, but the goals market may appeal as seven of Vissel Kobe's last 10 league games have resulted in Under 2.5 goals.

Machida Zelvia still remain top of the J-League table despite being involved in a disappointing 0-0 draw at home against Gamba Osaka, where the visitors hold a two-point cushion over second placed Kashima Antlers ahead of these midweek fixtures in the domestic top flight.

Nevertheless, it's been an impressive start to life in the Japanese top flight for Machida Zelvia following automatic promotion from J-League 2 at the end of last season and the visitors will be in confident mood as they have suffered just one defeat in their previous nine games overall.

That loss came in the shape of a heavy 3-1 loss at home to Albirex Niigata but the newcomers have also picked up no fewer than six wins within this nine-game sequence which gives Go Kuroda's side a decent chance of returning to winning ways at the NOEVIR Stadium Kobe on Wednesday night.

Three of these six wins were achieved on their travels with wins on the road at Kyoto Sanga, Urawa Reds and Yokohama F. Marinos respectively but we need to keep in mind that this upcoming clash is still a top four encounter in the J-League and a tight, low-scoring affair may unfold here.

Vissel Kobe v Machida Zelvia Verdict

Both Vissel Kobe and Machida Zelvia failed to win their previous games so a tightly fought encounter is expected here.

Therefore, our main bet will be Under 2.5 goals @ 1.70

Other side bets worth considering:

Machida Zelvia win @ 3.50

Correct Score: Machida Zelvia 1-0 @ 9.00