Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Prediction and Betting Tips | November 16th 2025

Vissel Kobe will square off against Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Panasonic Stadium Suita in the Emperor's Cup semifinals on Sunday. Kobe overcame third-tier side SC Sagamihara in the previous round, while Hiroshima overcame Nagoya Grampus in August.

The defending champions have seen a drop in form recently, winning just one of their last six games across all competitions. After defeating Ulsan HD 1-0 in the AFC Champions League earlier this month, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Gamba Osaka in the J1 League last week. Daiju Sasaki bagged an 89th-minute equalizer, with Yoshinori Muto providing the assist.

Sanfrecce extended their winning streak in all competitions to three games last week, with a 3-0 triumph over the Urawa Reds in the J1 League.

Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

• The two teams have crossed paths 60 times in all competitions. Sanfrecce have the upper hand in these meetings, recording 28 wins. Kobe have 18 wins, and 14 games have ended in draws.
• The defending champions registered 1-0 wins in their home and away meetings against Hiroshima in the J1 League earlier this season.
• They have met twice in the Emperor's Cup, and Kobe recorded wins in both games.
• Six of the last seven games between them have produced under 2.5 goals. The defending champions have kept four clean sheets, while Sanfrecce have three clean sheets in that period.
• La Viola have kept four clean sheets in their last six games across all competitions.
• Kobe have scored one goal apiece in their last two games. Hiroshima have scored four goals in their last two games without conceding.

Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Prediction

Ushi are unbeaten in their last three games in all competitions, though two have ended in draws. They have scored at least two goals in three of their four games in the Emperor's Cup this season and will look to build on that form. Interestingly, they have conceded one goal apiece in these games.

Sanfre have won their last three games, scoring three goals apiece in two. They have scored at least three goals in four Emperor's Cup games this season.

The defending champions have won three of their last four games in this fixture and should be able to eke out a narrow win.

Prediction: Vissel Kobe 2-1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Betting Tips

Tip 1: Result - Vissel Kobe to win

Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals

Tip 3: Both teams to score - Yes

Tip 4: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes

Edited by Peter P