Shimizu S-Pulse – DF/MF Jong-a-Pin is suspended.
Cerezo Osaka – DF Kodama is back in full training.

Shimizu S-Pulse (P10 W7 D0 L3 GD +5) are hitting peak form AND getting the right results now after some great displays earlier in the season did not bring the results they deserved. Despite ending their two previous games a man short, and two men short respectively, they have come out with maximum points. Last time out they beat the top team Sendai in a real six-pointer and, today, with if Gamba Osaka can bring the goods and beat Sendai in Osaka, S-Pulse can go top with a win today. While Takagi and Omae are getting the plaudits for scoring goals, watch out for Muramatsu in midfield who is a key man in the organisation.

Cerezo Osaka (P10 W4 D1 L5 GD +1) have lost four of their last five games now, including handing wins to hapless Albirex and Consadole and earned their inconsistent tag but, if they keep losing they’ll not be inconsistent any longer, they’ll just be in danger of ending the season struggling against relegation. Midfielder, and star player, Hiroshi Kiyotake has all but confirmed that he will be leaving for Nuremberg in the Bundesliga after the Olympics in London, which will also impact the team. I do not think S-Pulse will let this opportunity go but Cerezo may live up that inconsistent tag again? Expect a WIN for Shimizu S-Pulse!

Head to head over the last decade Cerezo have six wins to S-Pulse’s four, with four draws over the years. In this fixture last year, Cerezo held S-Pulse to a 3-3 draw, while winning the other leg, in Osaka, 4-0.