Machida vs Shimizu: will Machida extend their winning streak?
In the 23rd round of the Japanese J-League, Machida will host Shimizu on their home turf. The match is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, kicking off at 11:00 Central European Time. We bring you our recommended bet for this clash.
Machida vs Shimizu: statistics and head-to-head
- Machida are on a four-game winning streak.
- In each of these matches, the team scored at least two goals.
- Shimizu are winless in their last three league games and have just one victory in their previous five outings.
- On the road, Shimizu have failed to win in four consecutive matches: one draw and three defeats.
- Shimizu boast the fifth-best attacking record in the league with 30 goals.
- Both teams have lost 24% of their matches without scoring.
- However, Shimizu have more clean-sheet victories — 28% compared to Machida's 16%.
- Their last head-to-head ended in a 2-2 draw. In total, they've met five times: Shimizu have won three, Machida just once.
- Every head-to-head encounter has seen at least two goals scored.
Machida vs Shimizu: match preview
Machida are in excellent form and making confident strides up the table. Four straight wins, with at least two goals scored in each game. In their most recent outing, Machida cruised to a 4-0 victory. These results have lifted the club to eighth place with 34 points from 22 rounds. The gap to the top three is just six points. In addition, the team ranks among the league's top five for goals scored — 30 in total.
Shimizu sit lower in the standings, fighting to keep a safe distance from the relegation zone. However, they're only three points adrift of tenth place and have a shot at climbing higher. To do that, they need to start picking up points consistently. So far, Shimizu have won just one of their last five matches and only two of their previous ten. After 22 rounds, the team is 14th with 27 points, eight clear of the drop zone.
Probable lineups
- Machida: Tani; Shoji, Kikuchi, Okamura; Mochizuki, Shimoda, Mae, Hayashi; Soma, Nishimura; Fujio
- Shimizu: Oki; Sumiyoshi, Brunetti, Hasukawa; Nakahara, Bueno, Uno, Kapixaba; Matsuzaki, Inui; Kitagawa
Prediction
Machida are in top gear right now and showing real consistency. Shimizu, on the other hand, have been erratic, especially away from home. Under these circumstances, the hosts look like clear favorites. Our pick: Machida to win at odds of 1.9.
