Omiya Ardija – Slovenian Zdenko Verdenik was appointed manager of Omiya – he formerly managed at JEF United, Nagaoya Grampus and Vegalta Sendai, so has plenty of experience in J.League. DF Fukaya is suspended, DF Tsubouchi not expected back from injury this week.

Kashiwa Reysol – Ricardo Lobo and Kitajima (FWs) have both gone out on loan.

Four wins for Omiya, three for Kashima and five draws between these two teams since 2005.

Omiya Ardija (P13 W4 D3 L6 GD -11) have a new coach, who is experienced in the ways of Japanese football and we hear he favours a 4-4-2 line-up for Ardija, possibly with Cho as an out and out forward. Ardija have won one of their last five and will be hoping that a coaching change will do the trick. They certainly have the players to be in a better position than they are, so we will have to wait and see if Verdenik can turn the corner.

Kashiwa Reysol (P12 W5 D2 L5 GD 0) are on a run of three wins in the league, although they were knocked out of the AFC Champions league at the Last 16 stage. They have finally come to their senses and jettisoned Ricardo Lobo (to JEF United) and there is talk of a new Brazilian forward in the pipeline but not for this week. Right back Sakai is said to have confirmed a move to Hanover in the Bundesliga, and he will be a big loss. I feel there may be the adrenalin of a new manager winning out over the winning run of Kashiwa today – expect a WIN for OMIYA ARDIJA!