J1 League Regular Season - 2

JEF United Chiba vs NS Machida Zelvia

Fukuda Denshi Arena

Match Preview

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
84
JEF United Chiba
vs
Machida Zelvia
Sat, Aug 15 • 10:00 日本語
⚡ Form 54
⚖️ Balance 80
🏆 Stakes 0
⭐ Stars 91
Early momentum tested in Chiba.

Win Probability

  • JEF United Chiba 25%
  • Draw 29%
  • Machida Zelvia 46%

Futmetrix AI estimate

Early Momentum Tested at Fukuda Denshi Arena

Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 84/100. Despite the modest stakes, Machida Zelvia's slight edge makes this an intriguing early-season test for a JEF United Chiba side seeking traction.

The Setup

On August 15, 2026, JEF United Chiba welcome Machida Zelvia to the Fukuda Denshi Arena. With both teams navigating the very beginning of the regular season, the overall Stakes are understandably low. However, our metrics show a very high Balance rating, meaning this matchup is too close to call purely on raw talent. Neither side has built momentum yet, reflected by a sluggish Form rating across the board. A modest Stars rating suggests this will be a gritty, collective battle rather than a showcase of individual brilliance.

Key Battle

The defining clash takes place between JEF United Chiba's goalkeeper José Aurelio Suárez and Machida Zelvia's creative outlet from the back, Yuta Nakayama. If Nakayama can continue delivering key passes and stretching the play, Suárez will need to command his box flawlessly to keep the visitors at bay.

Our Prediction

We expect Machida Zelvia to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The away side should control possession just enough to force a decisive error, utilizing their slight statistical advantage to break the deadlock in a cagey affair.

Key Questions

Should I watch this match?

Our verdict is to skip this one unless you love tactical, low-scoring early-season battles.

What's the predicted outcome?

Machida Zelvia should claim a narrow victory, likely by a single goal, exploiting a tight game.

Where are JEF United Chiba and Machida Zelvia in the league table?

JEF United Chiba sit in 12th place, while Machida Zelvia are 17th, with both teams searching for early points.

What is Machida Zelvia's current form?

A low Form rating indicates they are still trying to find their rhythm early in this campaign.

Who is the in-form player to watch?

Takahiro Akimoto is the standout, boasting 1 goals in 1 matches and averaging a 7.7 rating.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
02/27/2026 Machida Zelvia 2 - 1 JEF United Chiba J1 League Machida Stadium
07/22/2023 Machida Zelvia 1 - 3 JEF United Chiba J2 League Machida Gion Stadium
06/03/2023 JEF United Chiba 0 - 2 Machida Zelvia J2 League Fukuda Denshi Arena
08/14/2022 JEF United Chiba 1 - 2 Machida Zelvia J2 League Fukuda Denshi Arena
04/03/2022 Machida Zelvia 1 - 1 JEF United Chiba J2 League Machida Gion Stadium
10/10/2021 Machida Zelvia 0 - 1 JEF United Chiba J2 League Machida Gion Stadium
05/23/2021 JEF United Chiba 1 - 1 Machida Zelvia J2 League Fukuda Denshi Arena
10/17/2020 JEF United Chiba 0 - 0 Machida Zelvia J2 League Fukuda Denshi Arena
08/09/2020 Machida Zelvia 0 - 2 JEF United Chiba J2 League Machida Gion Stadium
09/01/2019 Machida Zelvia 1 - 1 JEF United Chiba J2 League Machida Athletic Stadium (Tokyo)
02/27/2026
J1 League Machida Stadium
07/22/2023
J2 League Machida Gion Stadium
06/03/2023
J2 League Fukuda Denshi Arena
08/14/2022
J2 League Fukuda Denshi Arena
04/03/2022
J2 League Machida Gion Stadium
10/10/2021
J2 League Machida Gion Stadium
05/23/2021
J2 League Fukuda Denshi Arena
10/17/2020
J2 League Fukuda Denshi Arena
08/09/2020
J2 League Machida Gion Stadium
09/01/2019
J2 League Machida Athletic Stadium (Tokyo)
JEF United Chiba Win
Machida Zelvia Win
Draw

Season Statistics

12
League Position
17
0
Points
0
0
Goals Scored
0
0
Goals Conceded
0

League Standings

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Kashima 1 3 4 3 +1
2 Gamba Osaka 1 3 4 3 +1
3 Mito Hollyhock 0 0 0 0 0
4 Avispa Fukuoka 0 0 0 0 0
5 Cerezo Osaka 0 0 0 0 0
6 Tokyo Verdy 0 0 0 0 0
7 Kyoto Sanga 0 0 0 0 0
8 Nagoya Grampus 0 0 0 0 0
9 Shimizu S-pulse 0 0 0 0 0
10 Kawasaki Frontale 0 0 0 0 0
11 Kashiwa Reysol 0 0 0 0 0
12 JEF United Chiba 0 0 0 0 0
13 Vissel Kobe 0 0 0 0 0
14 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0 0 0 0 0
15 FC Tokyo 0 0 0 0 0
16 Fagiano Okayama 0 0 0 0 0
17 Machida Zelvia 0 0 0 0 0
18 V-varen Nagasaki 0 0 0 0 0
19 Yokohama F. Marinos 1 0 3 4 -1
20 Urawa 1 0 3 4 -1
1 Kashima 3 pts
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
13 Vissel Kobe 0 pts
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
15 FC Tokyo 0 pts
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 0 GD: 0
P: 1 GD: -1
20 Urawa 0 pts
P: 1 GD: -1