Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Shimizu 24.10.2026: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

The previous round of the J1 League delivered a massive shock as league leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima suffered an embarrassing defeat. Now the team that topped the Japanese championship finds itself in damage control mode. Can the “Sanfre” redeem themselves in front of their home fans and take down Shimizu S-Pulse?

Sanfrecce Hiroshima: A Shock to the System

Under German tactician Bartosz Gala, Hiroshima have collected 23 points and currently sit third in the J1 League standings. Their impressive winning streak came to a screeching halt in the last round. The side simply wasn’t prepared for the fierce resistance offered by a modest newcomer to the top flight.

In Matchday 11, Hiroshima suffered a sensational 0‑4 thrashing away to V-Varen Nagasaki. The opponents sat deep and hit on the break, a game plan that paid off handsomely. The “Sanfre” threw numbers forward all match long. They dominated in shots on goal (18‑12) and corner kicks (10‑0), yet couldn’t find the net. The contest was effectively decided after the 65th minute when Hiroshima were reduced to ten men. This was a coaching defeat – Gala was outmaneuvered by his counterpart.

Shimizu S-Pulse: Spiraling Downwards

Shimizu, led by Takayuki Yoshida, have 14 points and occupy 11th place in the national championship. For two consecutive rounds now, the “Orange” have failed to contain the opposition’s attack, conceding at least two goals each time. It’s a clear sign of a team in crisis.

In Matchday 11, Shimizu suffered a humiliating 0‑5 home loss to Machida. The first half was fairly even, but a goal conceded in the 35th minute broke their spirit. The visitors then switched to counter‑attacking football and punished the “Orange” twice more. When Yoshida’s men were reduced to ten men in the 63rd minute, they completely fell apart.

Prediction and Bet

Hiroshima have found Shimizu to be an awkward opponent – the “Sanfre” have failed to win any of their last three head‑to‑head meetings. However, last week was a disaster for Yoshida’s side: they conceded heavily and lost a key forward to a red card. The home team desperately need to make amends for their humiliating defeat in the previous round. This upcoming match at their own stadium is the perfect opportunity. We back Hiroshima to win with a handicap of (-1) at 1.63.

Goals prediction: Hiroshima average 2.27 goals scored per game in the current campaign, while conceding 0.91. Shimizu average 0.91 goals scored per match, but let in 1.45. The average total goals per game for the two sides are 3.18 and 2.38, respectively. Given how many goals Shimizu have been shipping lately, we play over 2.5 total goals at 1.61.