Omiya Ardija – MF Higashi is back from the Olympics. MF Murakami out for at least two months. FW Shimizu is out for about one month.

10 wins for FC Tokyo, just 3 for Omiya and 1 draw since 2005. 2 of those 3 wins were in 2006 and 2007 for Omiya… form is with Tokyo.

Returning hero Higashi is back from the Olympics although he appeared to be carrying an injury in the final and may not be 100%. Carlinhos was suspended last week and returns so one will presume Ardija think they are in better shape than last week. Suffice to say, if they do not win and some of the teams around them win, Ardija slip deeper into trouble.

FC Tokyo have drawn with Reysol and Reds in the last two games, but lost to Niigata and Tosu before that. They have not won since five games back. They have an extensive injury list but will be looking for a win to ensure they do not get dragged into the relegation zone, which would be easy with a run of three or four bad results. This will be a catalyst to a WIN for FC TOKYO!