Machida Zelvia vs FC Seoul: Predictions Preview, Lineups, H2h for September 16, 2025

On Tuesday, September 16, Machida and Seoul will compete in the first round of the AFC Champions League, starting at 12:00 CET. Here’s a betting tip for the match.

Machida vs Seoul: Match Preview

Machida, from Japan, is in a close race for the domestic championship title. After 30 matches, they have earned 51 points and are fifth in the standings, just four points behind the leaders. Although they haven’t won in their last three J-League games—recording two draws and one loss—they have shown significant improvement. Just two seasons ago, they were not in the top division. Now, Machida will make their debut in the AFC Champions League and have a good chance to start with a win at home.

Seoul is also making a return to the AFC Champions League after being absent for some time. The club has reached the final of the tournament twice but was unable to win. Currently, in the K League 1 season, they have 40 points after 29 matches, placing them seventh, just one point from sixth. However, their recent results have been disappointing, with only one win, one draw, and four losses in the last six matches. While the team is fit, their performance has not been strong lately.

Match Facts and Head-to-Head

• Seoul has lost their last two matches and has only one win in their past six games.
• Machida hasn’t won in their last two matches but was unbeaten since June prior to that.
• Seoul has scored in nine straight games, whereas Machida has scored in three consecutive matches.
• The Koreans have not kept a clean sheet in their last six games.
• Machida is unbeaten at home since late May.
• Seoul has lost three of their last four matches.
• This is the first time these teams are meeting.

Probable Line-ups

• Machida: Tani, Shoji, Chang Min Kyu, Hayashi, Mochizuki, Dreshovic, Shimoda, Shirasaki, Soma, Erik, O
• Seoul: Choi, Lee, Kim Ju Sung, Kim, Si Ki, Paločević, Osmar, Ilyuchenko, Na, Lim Sang Hyub, Hwang

Prediction

As Machida makes their AFC Champions League debut, their motivation is high. The Japanese team is in decent form, while their rivals are struggling. My prediction is a home victory.