Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: November 16, 2025 | Noevir Stadium | Emperor's Cup | 06:05 GMT

An exciting fixture awaits as cup holders Vissel Kobe take on Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the semi-finals of the Emperor's Cup, the Japanese equivalent of the FA Cup. The hosts won the competition last year by beating Gamba Osaska in the final, as well as the league title, to complete the domestic double.

Hiroshima haven't won the competition since 1969, finishing as runners up a ridiculous 15 times since then, so even if they make it past this stage, their history will haunt them.

Winning the cup gives you the bragging rights of being named as the best Japanese side that year, but it also allows you qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite and the Japanese Super Cup, where you face off against the winner of J1 League.

There is a lot at stake in this tie, with a place in the final against either Machida Zelvia or FC Tokyo awaiting.

Key Betting Tips: Vissel Kobe to Win at 2.50 odds on BoyleSports represents good value based on the tip provided by our algorithm.

They've had a slightly better season than Hiroshima, just besting them in the league so far by two places, but they also have a better recent history of earning silverware, winning the Emperor's Cup and two J1 Leagues in the last two years. Hiroshima have only won one competition as of late, the J. League Cup earlier this month, Japan's answer to the EFL Cup.

Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Predicted Lineups

Vissel Kobe Predicted XI (4-3-3): Daiya Maekawa; Takahiro Ogihara, Tetsushi Yamakawa, Matheus Thuler, Yuki Honda; Takahiro Ogihara, Taisei Miyashiro, Yosuke Ideguchi; Daiju Sasaki, Yuya Osako, Yoshinori Muto

Gotoku Sakai has only recently returned to the side, managing 24 minutes against Gamba Osaka last time out, so isn't expected to start this game but may come on in the second half. Erik, meanwhile, hasn't featured since mid-October and isn't anticipated to be in contention for this game, a blow to Vissel Kobe's attacking prospects.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Keisuke Osako; Sho Sasaki, Hayato Araki, Tsukasa Shiotani; Shunki Higashi, Satoshi Tanaka, Hayao Kawabe, Shuto Nakano; Sota Nakamura, Ryo Germain; Kosuke Kinoshita

Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Current Form and Standings

Kobe triumphed over SC Sagamihara in the last round of the cup, but only narrowly, after the game ended 1-1 and forcing the sides into penalties. Despite no goals being scored past the 30th minute, Kobe still had their shooting boots on for the vital moment, scoring every penalty they took to beat their opponents 4-2 in the shootout. A dramatic way to go through to say the least.

Hiroshima didn't make their lives quite as difficult, but still had to overcome a late scare as they beat Nagoya Grampus 4-2 to make it to this stage. They had earned a four-goal lead early on in the second half, but slowly allowed Nagoya back into the game as they grabbed two, but couldn't go all the way to achieve an almighty comeback.

Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Head-to-Head Timeline

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

Vissel Kobe have had the better of Hiroshima in recent encounters, with three wins in their last five and only losing once, in the Super Cup. Historically, though Hiroshima have actually won more than their semi-final competitors, registering 15 wins to Vissel Kobe's nine, while nine fixtures have ended level. A good result here would stretch Takayuki Yoshida's side to a three game winning run in this match-up.

• August 20, 2025: Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0-1 Vissel Kobe (J. League)
• July 2, 2025: Vissel Kobe 1-0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (J. League)
• February 8, 2025: Vissel Kobe 0-2 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Super Cup)
• July 5, 2024: Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-3 Vissel Kobe (J. League)
• March 16, 2024: Vissel Kobe 0-0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (J. League)

Vissel Kobe and Sanfrecce Hiroshima Recent Matches Analysis

Vissel Kobe Last 5 Matches:

• Vissel Kobe 1-1 Gamba Osaka (A) - J. League
• Vissel Kobe 1-0 Ulsan HD FC (H) - AFC Champions League Elite
• Vissel Kobe 2-2 Albirex Niigata (A) - J. League
• Vissel Kobe 3-4 Gangwon FC (A) - AFC Champions League Elite
• Vissel Kobe 0-0 Kashima Antlers (H) - J. League

A mixed bag of results for Vissel Kobe lately, but only managing one win in the last five will be a major point of concern. They'll need to find that something extra to turn a draw into a win against Hiroshima, because going to extra time could increase the risk of injury in a very busy period for them. Conceding four goals to Gangwon was as surprising as it was damaging, but they have clearly worked on their defensive efforts lately, only conceding once in their last two games.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima Last 5 Matches:

• Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-0 Urawa Red Diamonds (H) - J. League
• Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-0 Gangwon FC (H) - AFC Champions League Elite
• Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-1 Kashiwa Reysol (A) - J. League Cup
• Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0-3 Yokohama F.Marinos (A) - J. League
• Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0-1 Ulsan HD FC (A) - AFC Champions League Elite East

Sanfrecce Hiroshima have bounced back from their two losses to win three in a row, including the 3-1 result against Kashiwa Reysol that won them the J. League Cup. Two clean sheets on the bouce, as well as seven goals scored in their last three, will be doing a world of good for their confidence heading into such an important tie, but they are at risk of becoming complacent, as they were against Yokohama, side far lower down in the league than themselves.

Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with 53.30% confidence in Vissel Kobe to Win. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: Vissel Kobe to Win @ 2.50 - The cup holders have looked good again this season and have taken a lot of silverware in recent years. They have the better side on paper, so we expect them to make it through to the final.

Key Players to Watch: Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Taisei Miyashiro (Vissel Kobe): The 25-year old is versatile and mostly plays his trade in midfield, but demonstrates excellent attacking qualities in the final third. He isn't a particularly creative spark in the middle of the pitch, but put him in front of goal and he offers a serious threat, scoring 14 goals this season.

Hayato Araki (Sanfrecce Hiroshima): Araki is a force to be reckoned with at the back for Hiroshima, with outstanding aerial abilities that help him clear up chances at the back and put them away going forward. He's a solid option at the back, but he offers a serious threat in the box, so Kobe will be anxious if they concede any corners while Araki is about.

Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Match Facts

Referee: N/A

Stadium Information: Located in Kobe, Noevir Stadium has a capacity of 30,132.

Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima: Final Prediction

Vissel Kobe 2-0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima