Okayama Fagiano vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Prediction: Ataru Esaka Will Be Surrounded Today; Case Closed.

Okayama Fagiano vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima: Prediction for the Match on July 05, 2025

Prediction for the match between the Pheasants of Okayama and the Sanfre guests, who had an unpleasant experience in April when the sides clashed. As is the manner of the Japanese senior league, a couple of twists and turns in the league currently put the Hiroshima guests five spots ahead of the hosts, who are trapped in the exact mid-table position.

Below is a preview of the game team statistics, emerging lineup, and several betting options are available below.

Okayama Fagiano: Form and Statistics

Last Five Matches: DDLWW

The Pheasants of Okayama continue their snail-shell expedition in the league, despite pulling eight points in five recent games. The team emboldened themselves last week against Kashima Antlers, the league leaders, denying the hostile visitors a good chance to lay claim to the top spot. Their last five games has been pretty impressive for the J1 League non-regulars with two wins, two stalemates and one loss.

At home, they have toughened up to a win against Albirex Niigata (2-1), Machida Zelvia (2-2) and Avispa Fukuoka (2-2). Their recent 2-0 home loss against KitaKyushu saw them play to their tournament finish in the Emperor Cup.

Okayama Fagiano: Lineup

Team: A close look at the Okayama squad shows an intentionality by the head Coach to turn things around. Esaka, whose strength is in flank runs by the throw-in line has been given more liberty to roam towards the opposition’s box, with Sato and Yuta covering up while quickly falling back to fill the void created which Fujitsu cannot fill alone. His dummy runs makes him more of a threat than the designated 9, who becomes a supporting striker in these mad fits.

Players: Ataru Esaka, recent returnee from the K League has begun to show his class, with his brilliance noted in the domination against Kashima Antlers. 

Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Brodersen, Kudo-Tagami-Tatsuta, Sato-Yuta-Fujita-Yanagi,Esaka-Kimura, Meireles.

Head Coach: Takashi Kiyama

Out: No injury concern

Sanfrecce Hiroshima: Form and Statistics

Last Five Matches: LDWLL

The Hiroshima guests had all doors shut to their faces in the game against the Vissel Kobe Cows earlier this week. Despite all the questions Coach. Michael Skibbe asked tactically, they were unfortunate against the opponents who proved superior after allotted time. This was a poor response to the previous 2-1 beatdown against Nagoya Grampus.

As visitors, they have shown themselves big, despite the recent 1-0 loss to Vissel Kobe. Against Tokyo (3-0), Kashima (1-1) and Yokohama FC (4-0), they have been established as bold challengers. 

The squad has scored at least a goal in the last six of seven games played in the league, so scoring may not be much of a problem in this game, especially as they play against a team that regularly concedes at home. 

Victory in this game gives them a clearer peek at the top spot, as they would occupy the fourth spot, domiciled to the Kyoto Purples at the moment. 

Sanfrecce Hiroshima: Lineup

Team: Michael Skibbe has managed to build for himself a solid set of players, who although may not be individually exceptional, possess the willpower to combine resources and deliver good results. However, they have slumped in two recent games, despite holding the ball longer than their challengers.

Players: Hayato Araki played best last week in the loss to Vissel Kobe. Kinoshita can win late last week, coming on for Germain in the 78th minute. He is expected to begin in this bout and give the fans value for their paid tickets.

Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Osaka, Sasaki-Araki-Shiotani, Arai-Nakajima-Kawabe-Nakano, Kato-Nakamura, Germain.

Head Coach: Michael Skibbe 

Out: Nil

Okayama Fagiano vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Match Head-to-Head Statistics

The teams met for the first time in April 2025, in a match that ended 1-0 in favour of the Okayama Pheasants 

Okayama Fagiano vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Betting Trends

• The BTTS-NO was registered between these sides in the last meeting. Bet with Bet365 at 1.66 odds for the BTTS-NO option;
• Sanfrecce Hiroshima has conceded in five of the last seven games in the league. Bet on Okayama Fagiano to score at least one goal at 1.60 odds from 1xbet;
• The U1.5 option has a success rate between these teams in the last ten consecutive clashes. Betway tips this at 2.65 odds;
• Since a stalemate is almost non-existent between these sides, bet on the Home/Away option at 1.317 odds from 1xbet

Okayama Fagiano vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Match Prediction July 05 2025

Okayama is not much of a threat at home, since they have conceded at home in all of their recent games. Hiroshima however, lacks the cutting edge required to deal decisive blows to the opposition. The last clash was a one-goal affair, while much has changed since then tactically, I do not see great improvements in the scoreline. 

Below are my best predictions:

- For my prediction, I will pick the U2.5 option at 1.60 odds from the Bet365 bookmaker;

- Our betting tip will be a stalemate at 3.20 odds from Betway;

- Lastly, I will take the BTTS-NO option at a coefficient of 1.66 odds from 1xBet .