Team News
Urawa Reds – only the long-term injury of Naoki Yamada is affecting Reds this week.
Consadole Sapporo – FW Maeda is facing a fitness test, FW Tele is doubtful.

Head to Head – In J1 2008 home and away Reds won both games, and this season Reds won the away match – that’s all there is between these two teams!

Match Preview – Consadole Sapporo were mathematically relegated last weekend, with 7 games to go. 70 goals conceded, just 20 scored, and showing a goal difference of minus 50, this must be the game that Urawa Reds make the 2nd spot their own. With me expecting Vegalta Sendai to falter again against Gamba, Reds can rack up some goals today and pull back some of the 12 goals that separate their goal difference from Vegalta’s, ready to take 2nd and start putting pressure on Sanfrecce for the top spot. Despite scoring only 37 goals all season, and having that 5-0 home loss to Gamba to think about, Reds are still in position to make a grab for the title. Imagine if they’d had a decent all-out centre forward who could score goals this season (Leandro and Reds? What a combination that might have been!). There is no reason to look at the chances of Consadole in this game, unless we think that, now that they’ve been relegated the pressure is off?!! Didn’t think so? If Haraguchi can keep his mind on the game after being subbed very early last week, and the midfield boys provide the chances (and convert them) EXPECT a high-scoring WIN for URAWA REDS!