Kashiwa Reysol – DF Yamanaka is on U19 Japan duty.

Albirex Niigata – DF Kim is suspended after red card. DF Suzuki is with the Japan U23 squad. MF Jun Uchida is out for the season with a knee injury. Coach Kurosaki resigned his post this week.

Five wins for Reysol, three for Albirex and four draws over the last ten years, in 12 meetings.

Kashiwa Reysol (P11 W4 D2 L5 GD -2) are on the back of two wins and a positive ACL result and should be able to add to that run with the confidence gained over such recent improvement. Coach Nelsinho has seen the error of his ways, perhaps, in signing Ricardo Lobo and Tanaka and Kitajima are deservedly being selected above the Brazilian now.

With no major injuries or national team absences Reysol have it good this weekend while Albirex Niigata (P12 W2 D3 L7 GD -10) have been hit by the news that Uchida is probably out for the season. Add to that the fact that Kim is suspended and Suzuki is on international duty and manager-less Niigata will do well to get anything out of this game. Yano and Hirai are just not getting in among the goals for Niigata – they should look elsewhere! Expect a WIN for KASHIWA REYSOL!