Cerezo Osaka vs Machida Zelvia Prediction: Osaka Can Be A Tricky Opponent When Given The Opportunity

Cerezo Osaka will welcome Machida Zelvia to the Yodoko Sakura Stadium in the 25th round of the J1 League. 

Let's have a look at the latest J1 League between Cerezo Osaka vs. Machida Zelvia, match facts, and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Cerezo Osaka

Form: LDDWW

Cerezo Osaka, who have been struggling in the league, lately failed to build up on their confidence in their most recent friendly match against Germany's Dortmund at Yanmar Stadium Nagai. Karim Adeyemi's brace and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens' goal in the first half saw them go into the second half trailing by three goals. However, they did manage to score consolation goals through Masaya Shibayama and Reiya Sakata, although it wasn't enough to avoid a 3-2 defeat.

Their last competitive match was against Albirex Niigata in the 24th round of the J1 League. Despite having home advantage at their disposal, they found themselves on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat. They are currently on a four-match winless run across all competitions (D3, L1) since a 2-1 home victory against Nagoya Grampus on June 30th.

With 37 points accumulated from 24 matches, Cerezo Osaka occupies 6th place in the J1 League. They are seven points adrift of second-placed Gamba Osaka and have maintained a one-point cushion over seventh-placed FC Tokyo. The point gap between Avispa Fukuoka (8th) and Tokyo Verdy (9th) is also minimal. 

Machida Zelvia

Form: LWWWD

Machida Zelvia suffered the same fate as their league rivals in a friendly clash. They welcomed French side Reims to the Machida Stadium, and goals from either half saw them succumb to a convincing 2-0 defeat.

However, it has to be said that their resume in competitive matches, particularly in the league, has been eye-catching, losing just one of their seven matches (W4, D2). Their six-match unbeaten run in the league was halted by a 2-1 home defeat against Yokohama F. Marinos, and they will seek to return to winning ways. 

With 49 points accumulated from 24 matches, Machida Zelvia are five points clear at the top of the standings and will want to maintain their position as they aim for their first ever league title in club history. 

Match Facts

• Cerezo Osaka is currently on a five-match winless run across all competitions.
• Machida Zelvia has preserved three clean sheets in their last seven away matches in the J1 League.
• Cerezo Osaka averages 1.5 goals per game when playing at home, and Machida Zelvia averages 1.5 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 5 meetings, Cerezo Osaka have won 1 time, Machida Zelvia have won 3 times, and there have been 1 draw, with the goal difference being 10-6 in favor of Machida Zelvia. 

Expert Betting Tips

Cerezo Osaka have endured a difficult run in form in recent weeks and come into this match winless in their last four matches across all competitions. However, they will be aiming to halt that run by picking up a favorable outcome at home, where they've lost just one of their last five matches (W3, D1).

Machida Zelvia, on the other hand, is a side that can't be underestimated, especially when playing on the road. The league leaders are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run (W5, D2) and will seek to build up on this momentum. 

Considering that matches involving both sides have been highly entertaining affairs, we anticipate both sides to get on the scoreboard, as this has been the case in four of their last five encounters.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.84
• 1st Goal - Cerezo Osaka for 2.15
• Goals - Over 2.5 for 2.07