A meeting between the league leader, who creates and allows plenty of shots on target, and a home side whose recent results are better than the chances behind them. Kobe's form is flattered by cup and continental games.
Machida lead the league with a goal difference of plus twenty against Kobe's plus seven. In recent games with stats they create close to eight shots on target a game while allowing under two. Kobe lost at Kawasaki and at Kashiwa, both times behind in expected goals, and they cede the ball against stronger sides. Machida also won both of the last two visits to Kobe.
Kobe are solid at home and their counters can score, and a cagey game is a real possibility, so I like that a draw simply returns the stake. Lineups are not out and both teams have continental games next week, but the one doubtful Kobe player is a midfield rotation piece. That's why I'm siding with Machida.
