This meeting puts an aggressive press against a team that can escape through the wings and recover the second ball. Kobe's direct service to Osako is a real attacking route. Machida's wide runners and recycled deliveries make control of the next contact just as important as the first challenge.
Kobe's right-side cover was unsettled after Iino left the last match, and Erik, who supplied Osako's recent goal, is unavailable for this fixture. Machida have already turned Akimoto's carries and recovered crosses into goals; Nishimura provided a scoring route when Yengi missed the latest match. Kobe should press early, then Machida's wingbacks and Soma can use the space beyond that first line. I'm siding with Machida away.
