Gamba Osaka – FW Kawanishi out for another month recovering from a broken leg.

Omiya Ardija (P9 W3 D2 L4 GD -6) were sent packing in their last match, away at Vissel Kobe, with the whole team having an off day it seemed. Barely a shot on goal and Vissel were unlucky to only get three goals. Rafael will be trying to prove he is worth the big salary he’s getting, while Cho will need to be on form to ensure a call-up for the Korean national team next time out. Higashi, in central midfield will be looking to cement a place in the London Olympic team so plenty to play for outside the J.League for some of these players – only good performances will do! Omiya have the players, but do they have the TEAM?

Gamba Osaka (P8 W2 D1 L5 GD -8) have the 6th best attacking record in J1 but by far the worst defensive record in the division, little change from previous seasons, some might say, but the results have not gone Gamba’s way yet and coach Matsunami needs to get his players working together as a team and seal up that defence. Will veteran keeper Fujigaya make way for understudy Kimura in J.League play after Kimura started in the ACL defeat in midweek? Gamba made many changes during the pre-season AND have already changed their coaching staff once this season, so no-one could really expect them to be challenging for honours in this season of rebuilding but they will need to win games like these to ensure a respectable mid-table finish. Expect a WIN for Gamba Osaka!

Gamba have registered nine wins to Ardija’s five in 14 meetings. These teams have never played to a draw!