Machida Zelvia vs Shabab Al-Ahli Betting Tips & Predictions - Machida Tipped to Claim AFC Elite Final Spot
Machida Zelvia is anticipated to secure a win in their AFC Elite semi-final match against Shabab Al-Ahli. Having claimed a significant victory over Al-Ittihad, and showcasing impressive form with seven wins in their last 11 matches, Machida's momentum is strong. Meanwhile, Shabab Al-Ahli enters the semi-final after a narrow 3-2 win against Buriram United but faces defensive challenges. The upcoming match marks the first-ever meeting between the two teams, set to spark excitement at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium.
- A place in the AFC Elite final is on the line in Saudi Arabia
- Home win tipped in Tuesday's semi-final showdown in Jeddah
- Watch Machida Zelvia vs Shabab Al-Ahli live in the AFC Elite
- Machida Zelvia vs Shabab Al-Ahli Predictions
- Home Win Backed
- Machida Zelvia and Shabab Al-Ahli Set to Meet For First Time
- Machida Zelvia Stun Al-Ittihad
- Shabab Al-Ahli Squeeze Past Buriram
- Predicted Lineups and Team News
Machida Zelvia vs Shabab Al-Ahli Predictions
Machida Zelvia have impressed in the AFC Elite, and they should have enough momentum to see off Shabab Al-Ahli in Tuesday's semi-final contest.
A “home win” is my best bet at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.
Home Win Backed
- Machida Zelvia won 7 of their last 11 matches (AFC Elite)
- Shabab Al-Ahli lost 3 of their last 7 matches (AFC Elite)
Machida Zelvia and Shabab Al-Ahli Set to Meet For First Time
Machida Zelvia and Shabab Al-Ahli will meet for the first time in Tuesday's AFC Elite semi-final showdown.
Machida Zelvia Stun Al-Ittihad
Machida Zelvia secured their place in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final contest with a shock 1-0 win against big-spending Saudi opponents Al-Ittihad.
A first-half goal from Tete Yengi proved the difference as the Brazil of Tokyo upset the odds to see off their Saudi Pro League opponents. Both teams struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, as Go Kuroda's side emerged with an unlikely triumph in Al-Ittihad's backyard.
Final xG tallies of 0.86 and 0.79 reflected the evenly-balanced nature of last week's quarter-final clash.
A tough side to beat, Machida are unbeaten in 14 of their 16 most recent fixtures. Defensively strong, Zelvia kept clean sheets in six of their last ten games, including their three most recent matches.
The J1L side have surprised many with their consistency in the AFC Elite this season. Zelvia finished top of the East section before a narrow round of sixteen win against Gangwon.
Across 11 matches, Kuroda's men won seven and lost just one of their last 11 Champions League fixtures.
Shabab Al-Ahli Squeeze Past Buriram
Shabab Al-Ahli come into this week's AFC Elite semi-final after a thrilling 3-2 win against Buriram United. Saeid Ezatolahi's second-half goal put Paulo Sousa's side 2-0 up in the second half, but a spirited response from the Thai side took the tie to extra time.
The UAE champions eventually emerged victorious, with Brazilian defender Renan sealing a hard-fought 3-2 win.
Al Ahli have flattered to deceive in the AFC Elite this season. Sousa's men have won four and lost three of their ten matches, while failing to win four of their last seven continental fixtures.
Defensive issues have been evident in recent weeks. Shabab conceded two or more goals in two of their last three matches, and have kept just two clean sheets in nine games since February.
Predicted Lineups and Team News
Machida Zelvia (3-4-2-1) Kosei Tani; Gen Shoji, Daihachi Okamura, Yuta Nakayama; Hotaka Nakamura, Hiroyuki Mae, Neta Lavi, Kotaro Hayashi; Erik, Sang-ho Na; Tete Yengi
Head coach Kuroda is likely to stick with the same starting XI that stunned Al-Ittihad last week.
The J1L side have two confirmed injury absentees for Tuesday's semi-final. Ryuho Kikuchi is sidelined with a cartilage injury, while Yuki Soma is also expected to remain sidelined.
Speaking to the assembled media, Go Kuroda declared his confidence ahead of the semi-final clash. “We are here to win the tournament,” the Machida boss insisted.
Shabab Al-Ahli (4-2-3-1) Hamad Al-Meqbaali; Kauan Santos, Bogdan Planic, Renan, Igor Gomes; Saeed Ezatolahi, Breno Lemos; Guilherme Bala, Fede Cartabia, Yuri Cesar; Mateusao
Shabab boss Sousa is unlikely to make too many changes from the side that edged past Buriram. Sultan Adil and Damian García are potential contenders to come into the XI should the Portuguese head coach opt to freshen his selection.
The UAE side have no reported injury issues.
Sousa cut a frustrated figure on the touchline during their chaotic quarter-final victory, later explaining his decision to keep his distance.
“I was sitting outside of the pitch because of the many mistakes by the referee,” Sousa said.
“I believe it showed the maturity of the team to get through the match. We had a lot of captains like Renan who were mature enough to address the issues we faced.”
Verdict
Machida Zelvia have impressed in their AFC Elite campaign, and I fancy the J1L side to claim a narrow semi-final win on Tuesday.
I have my stake on Machida to claim victory at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium.
Machida Zelvia Win
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Machida Zelvia v Shabab Al-Ahli
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