Vissel Kobe – MF/FW Ogawa is expected to be out while tests are done on a Pulmonary Contusion. DF Iwanami is with the Japan U19 team. MF Hashimoto may be considered ready for return. FW Tashiro is doubtful but may return from injury.
Vegalta Sendai – DF Uemoto is out for another two weeks or so.

Four wins for Vegalta, three wins for Vissel, and four draws – four of those games in J2 in 2006.


While Vegalta Sendai (1st P16 W9 D5 L2 GD +18 Pts. 32) feel the pressure at the top and their results suffer – one win in four, and that against lowly Sapporo, the teams below them have, luckily for Vegalta, also dropped points left and right, which has, of course squeezed the table – only 3 points between 3rd and 11th, where we find Vissel Kobe. The away team are in good shape, despite the lack of wins recently, with Brazilian striker Wilson hitting his stride. He may be a handful for the Vissel defence.
Vissel Kobe (11th P16 W8 D0 L8 GD -1 Pts. 24) sit “only” 3 points off a top three position and have won their last three games under new coach Akira Nishino. They may well be missing wing wonder Ogawa with a badly bruised chest, which would be a blow. but they are coming together as a team and the squad has depth. They have beaten Jubilo and Frontale (both away) in recent games and will not fear the top team. EXPECT a WIN for VISSEL KOBE!