Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Gamba Osaka tips and predictions

Is this a tap-in for Sanfrecce Hiroshima?

With 8 points Sanfrecce Hiroshima will host Gamba Osaka, with 7 points. There's just 4 positions between the two J1 League clubs.

The odds-on for the home side might not be for everyone but their opponents are unlikely to be contemplating any realistic thoughts of victory.

The hosts have chalked up 7 wins in their last 8 home games while the travelling side has failed to deliver at times. They've lost 10 of their last 14 matches, home or away. Another defeat beckons for them here.

Defence is possibly going to make the difference for the home side. It could be the key to victory for them. They've been keeping things tidy recently. It's likely they'll maintain a clean sheet in this match-up; they've been resilient, only letting in 4 goals in their last 14 games, home and away. Some aspects of the attacking performances by the visitors have been left wanting; they have averaged just 0.5 goals in their last 14 matches. One starts to get a strong feeling for the home team. Could they be too strong in defence for the visiting frontline?

You'll be aware that Sanfrecce Hiroshima have won all of the last 3 fixtures between the two sides. This next meeting is a decent time for them to add to these head-to-head statistics. And it is unlikely they will fail to do so.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima are justifiable favourites and it's possible they just don't give up ground to Gamba Osaka. It's not a strong view so it isn't one to get stuck into but the No BTTS bet seems like it will be the best play from that market. In the total goals market, it's Under 1.5 Goals that stands out here after weighing up the chances of all outcomes.