Soma to spark Machida's goal drought revival? (Machida Zelvia vs Shonan Bellmare prediction) | OneFootball

Machida Zelvia vs Shonan Bellmare: J1 League Mid-Table Clash Prediction

Two sides desperate to arrest their recent slide meet at Machida GION Stadium this Friday as Machida Zelvia host Shonan Bellmare in a crucial J1 League encounter.

Recent Form Concerns Both Managers

Go Kuroda's Machida Zelvia sit 11th in the table with 17 points from 11 matches but have failed to score in consecutive defeats to Urawa and Vissel Kobe. Despite creating chances in both matches – including 15 shots against Kobe – their finishing has let them down.

Shonan Bellmare's situation is even more concerning. After starting the season with three straight victories, Satoshi Yamaguchi's men have managed just one win in their last eight matches, sliding to 13th in the standings. Their 1-0 home defeat to Kashiwa Reysol last time out marked their fourth loss in five games.

Key Players to Watch

Machida's creative spark comes primarily through Yuki Soma, who has contributed two goals and three assists this season. His five key passes against Vissel Kobe highlighted his importance to the team's attacking threat. Takuma Nishimura remains their top scorer with four goals in ten appearances.

For Shonan, the absence of injured forward Lukian (out with a left distal anterior tibiofibular ligament rupture) has weakened their attack. They'll look to Akito Suzuki and Sho Fukuda, who have both contributed three goals this campaign, to provide the finishing touch that has been sorely lacking in recent weeks.

Tactical Battle

Machida's direct style often sees them cede possession but create quality chances through quick transitions. Their defensive organisation is generally solid, though lapses – like Daihachi Okamura's own goal against Kobe – have proven costly.

Shonan employ a high-energy pressing game but have struggled to convert pressure into goals. Their defensive frailties have been exposed during their poor run, conceding nine goals in their last five matches.

What the Managers Say

"We're heading in a good direction despite recent results," insisted Kuroda after Machida's defeat to Vissel Kobe. "Our approach is not bad, but we need to be more clinical."

Yamaguchi has acknowledged Shonan's scoring problems: "We're creating situations but lacking the final touch. It's something we're working hard to address."

Prediction

With both teams struggling for form, this has the makings of a tense, cagey affair. Machida's home advantage could prove decisive, but their recent goal drought is concerning. Shonan's defensive issues suggest Machida should create chances, and with slightly more quality in the final third, the hosts might just edge this one.

Predicted Score: Machida Zelvia 2 - 1 Shonan Bellmare