Melbourne City vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Prediction & Betting Tips (16 September)

Melbourne City return to continental competition with renewed ambition as they host Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the opening fixture of the AFC Champions League Elite at AAMI Park. Under the guidance of Aurelio Vidmar—who once donned the purple of Sanfrecce himself—the reigning A-League champions are eager to rewrite their underwhelming ACL history. Their squad has undergone a strategic overhaul, welcoming Japanese winger Takeshi Kanamori, Kosovo international Elbasan Rashani, and Celtic academy graduate Liam Bonetig. With Kanamori bringing title-winning experience from Kashima Antlers and Rashani fresh off a promotion campaign with Elche in Spain, City’s attacking options look sharper than ever.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima arrive in Melbourne riding the momentum of a strong domestic campaign. Currently entrenched in a tight J1 League title race, Michael Skibbe’s side has shown resilience and flair, particularly through the likes of Valère Germain and Marcos Junior. Their recent outings include a 4-1 demolition of Shonan Bellmare and a gritty 1-1 draw with Kyoto Sanga, showcasing both firepower and defensive discipline. The team’s tactical backbone remains its fluid 3-4-2-1 system, which has allowed them to transition quickly and exploit wide spaces—an area Melbourne City must guard vigilantly.

The match also carries emotional undertones. Vidmar’s reunion with his former club adds a layer of narrative intrigue, while ex-City midfielder Tolgay Arslan returns to Melbourne in Sanfrecce colors. City’s last competitive outing—a shock Australia Cup exit to APIA Leichhardt—may have disrupted rhythm, but it also gave fringe players a chance to step up. With nearly two months since their last official match, City’s freshness could either be a hidden weapon or a lingering concern. Sanfrecce, meanwhile, have been battle-hardened by a packed domestic schedule, which could tilt the tempo in their favor early on.

Yet, the prediction leans toward a 2-1 victory for Melbourne City. The home advantage, bolstered by a crowd eager to witness their club’s continental breakthrough, could prove decisive. Kanamori’s familiarity with Japanese opposition and Rashani’s creative spark are expected to unlock Sanfrecce’s disciplined backline. While the visitors will likely find the net—perhaps through Germain’s poaching instincts—City’s hunger to finally progress beyond the group stage should fuel a narrow but vital win. Expect a tense, tactical affair with flashes of brilliance and a scoreline that reflects both ambition and grit.