TIPS - Machida Zelvia VS Melbourne City

[(FC Machida Zelvia) Strength]:
1. FC Machida Zelvia forward Yuki Soma scored a goal to extend the lead in the last AFC Champions League Elite match, helping the team secure all 3 points away from home. This season, he has contributed 12 goals and 9 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions, making him the absolute core of the team's attack.
2. FC Machida Zelvia performed stably in the AFC Champions League Elite. After a 2-0 win over Shanghai Port F.C. in the last match on the road, they remained unbeaten with 1 win and 2 draws in 3 games of the league phase.
3. FC Machida Zelvia kept all clean sheets in the last 3 competitive games, boasting solid defense.
4. FC Machida Zelvia are on a 13-game unbeaten run at home across all competitions, securing 10 wins, which shows strong home performances.

[(FC Machida Zelvia) Neutral]:
1. FC Machida Zelvia drew 0-0 with Urawa Red Diamonds in the last league game on the road. They won only one of the last 8 league matches, failing to win the title.
2. The two sides have never met before, and this game would be their first encounter.

[(FC Machida Zelvia) Weakness]:
1.FC Machida Zelvia scored 3 goals in the last 5 competitive games and failed to score in 3 of those games, revealing a lack of attack.

[(Melbourne City) Strength]:
1. Melbourne City forward Max Caputo has scored 3 goals in the league this season, making him the team's most stable source of goals. He also netted a goal in the last AFC Champions League Elite match, helping the team secure their first win in the competition, showing consistent performance in the tournament.
2. Melbourne City drew 0-0 with Brisbane Roar FC in the last league game on the road. They were undefeated with 1 win and 2 draws in the first 3 league games of the new season, demonstrating stable performances in the league.
3. Melbourne City conceded 3 goals in the last 5 competitive games, with an average of less than 1 goal per game, showcasing commendable defense lately.

[(Melbourne City) Weakness]:
1. Melbourne City have poor performances in the AFC Champions League Elite, receiving 1 win and 2 losses in 3 games so far. Besides, their two losses were both against the J1 League teams, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Vissel Kobe, indicating the team have very limited strength against Japanese rivals.
2. Melbourne City scored 2 goals in 3 games of the AFC Champions League Elite so far, failing to score in 2 of those games.
3. Melbourne City were winless with 2 draws and 2 losses in four competitive games on the road this season so far, even losing to the inferior-league team APIA Leichhardt Tigers in the Australia Cup, revealing the team have no strength on the road.

[Tips]:
FC Machida Zelvia have had poor performances in the league lately, winning only one of the last 8 league games.

However, they performed stably in the AFC Champions League Elite, as the team remained unbeaten in 3 games so far.

Besides, they boast outstanding defense and reliable home strength.

Melbourne City performed stably in the league but poorly in the AFC Champions League Elite, suffering defeats in both matches against the J1 League teams, so they cannot be overestimated on this trip against FC Machida Zelvia.

Thus, FC Machida Zelvia are favored.

[Recommended]:
FC Machida Zelvia (-1)