Shimizu and Machida can each reach the box by a distinct route. Shimizu can press and release early toward their central target, while Machida can move through midfield into deliveries from both flanks. Urawa and Chiba turn on a different question: whether Chiba's press and central cover can keep Urawa's entries from becoming repeated clean finishes. Both games have a meaningful second-half supply phase.
Shimizu have used Oh as the first aerial outlet, with Yumiba's set plays and later Fujii service adding ways to reach a goalward touch. Machida can use Mae and Lavi to feed Mochizuki or Akimoto, with Yengi and the far-side runner meeting crosses and recycled balls. Oh played Shimizu's latest match, and Yengi, Mochizuki and Akimoto played Machida's latest match; these are current routes rather than projected returns. I expect Shimizu's early press to create chances and Machida's wide supply to continue as the match stretches. That's why I'm siding with goals from both Shimizu S-Pulse and Machida.
Chiba's first pressure can slow Urawa's central exit, while Suzuki and Nduka contest the first Kaneko service and Tsukui or Yasui gather the next ball. Urawa can still release Savio or Watanabe and bring late runners into the area, but its latest high-volume display against Mito came against ten men. Suzuki and Nduka played together in Chiba's latest league match; their repeat start is unconfirmed, so the observed partnership has one match of evidence. I expect Urawa to have stretches of control and Chiba to keep contesting the first pass and second contact. That's why I'm siding with Chiba to stay close enough on the away side.
