Red hot Saitama fortress awaits struggling Sanfrecce (Urawa vs Hiroshima prediction) | OneFootball

Urawa Look to Extend Winning Run Against Struggling Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Urawa Reds will aim to continue their impressive form when they host Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Saitama Stadium in J1 League action this Friday, with both sides experiencing contrasting fortunes in recent weeks.

Form Guide

Maciej Skorża's Urawa side are currently enjoying a purple patch, having won their last three league matches. Their most recent outing saw them dispatch Yokohama F. Marinos 3-1 in a clinical display where they made the most of their opportunities despite having just 39% possession.

The Reds have been particularly strong at home, securing four consecutive victories at Saitama Stadium, where their passionate support has become a significant factor in their performances.

In stark contrast, Michael Skibbe's Sanfrecce Hiroshima arrive in poor form, having suffered back-to-back defeats that have seen them slide to 10th in the table. Their most recent setbacks came against Nagoya Grampus (2-1) and Fagiano Okayama (0-1), highlighting their struggles to find consistency.

Team News

Urawa have received a significant boost with manager Skorża confirming that Thiago Santana is expected to be available for selection, adding another option to their already potent attack. The Brazilian's return strengthens a forward line that has been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks.

The hosts have found a winning formula with a settled lineup, with new signings Danilo Boza and Matheus Sávio making immediate impacts – both scored in the victory over Yokohama. The defensive partnership between Boza and Marius Høibråten has provided stability at the back.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima will be looking to their new attacking recruits to spark a revival, with Ryo Germain and former Urawa player Naoki Maeda needing to find their feet quickly. The visitors are expected to maintain their familiar 3-4-2-1 formation that has been their tactical foundation since 2024.

Tactical Battle

This match presents an intriguing tactical contrast. Urawa have shown significant improvement against teams that press intensely or play with three at the back – both characteristics of Sanfrecce Hiroshima's approach.

The Reds have been particularly effective from set-pieces and counter-attacks, while Sanfrecce rely on structured build-up play and defensive solidity. The battle for second balls and midfield control will likely determine the outcome.

Urawa's flexible 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 system has been working well, with technical midfielders like Simon Gustafson and Sávio providing creativity, while Sanfrecce's wing-back system aims to create overloads in wide areas.

Key Players to Watch

For the hosts, Matheus Sávio has been a revelation since his January move from Kashiwa Reysol, providing both creativity and goal threat. Danilo Boza has not only solidified the defence but also contributed offensively.

Sanfrecce will look to Sota Nakamura (2 goals, 1 assist in 9 games) to provide the creative spark, while their experienced defensive trio of Tsukasa Shiotani, Hayato Araki, and Sho Sasaki will need to be at their best to contain Urawa's attack.

Prediction

With Urawa in such strong form, particularly at home, and Sanfrecce struggling for consistency, the momentum clearly favours the hosts. Urawa's clinical finishing and set-piece threat should prove decisive against a Sanfrecce side that has looked vulnerable in recent matches.

Predicted Score: Urawa 2-0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima