Omiya Ardija – MF Murakami and FW Shimizu both injured.
Vegalta Sendai have no injuries or suspensions to report.

Head to Head – 5 wins for Sendai, 3 for Ardija and 2 draws in 10 meetings since 2004.

Omiya pulled off an away win at FC Tokyo last weekend after losing three of their last four before that, while conceding 11 goals. The three points from their FC Tokyo win were vital with Gamba Osaka finally coming good and it is going to be a long struggle for survival in the coming weeks of this 2012 season. The return of Higashi from London 2012, and the instant success of new Slovenian striker Novakovic, who scored the winner last week after coming on as a substitute all helped, but hosting the team in 2nd place will not help them this week. A tough match is in store. On loan centre back Komoto – from Vissel Kobe – will be trying hard to have an impact and prove he is worth a place at Vissel, or a transfer fee for Omiya.
Vegalta Sendai have faltered, as they did last summer – when they saw themselves drop from the top with a winless string of results – and are currently four points off the top spot now, having seen four draws and a loss in their last five outings. Six teams must realistically fancy their chances of overhauling Sendai for the 2nd spot soon, so the team really have to pull out all the stops and get back to winning ways. Poor Omiya may be their victims as they come good this weekend.
Expect a WIN for VEGALTA SENDAI!