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Previews

J1 Preview – Sat. October 27th – 14.00 – Urawa Reds v. Cerezo Osaka at Saitama Stadium

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Cerezo to do S-Pulse a BIG Favour and hold off Reds?

Team News – Urawa Reds – MF Yajima will miss the game on Japan U-19 duty.

Cerezo Osaka report no injuries or suspensions.

Head to Head – Eight wins for Reds, five for Cerezo and two draws in a decade of J1 and Nabisco Cup meetings.

Match Preview – Urawa Reds have lost three out of their last five when they could have been challenging for the top spot, and find themselves six points adrift of the top two, WAY behind in goal difference too, AND under attack from the trio of teams on 45 points, just three behind them as we go into the last five games. Reds’ lack of a real striker has been their downfall – relying on late Popo goals is not a strategy for a winning team and having to start him as a lone striker shows desperation! Keep this team together, add a real striker and maybe, just maybe, a 2013 Championship challenge might be seen. But today a resurgent and relaxed Cerezo Osaka may put paid to a top spot dream altogether and even knock them out of the top three.

Cerezo re-hired coach Levir Culpi to keep them in J1, nothing more, and it looks as if he has done that. Cerezo realistically need another 2 or 3 points from their final games to be sure and then they can plan ahead for next season, try to keep their best players from oving on, and find a coach that can bring out the potential that these players, this team has. They are relaxed indeed under Culpi but he is not staying, they’ll win a few more games for him before he goes home, though. Including this one? Maybe! EXPECT a DRAW!

In the Mix, Reports

J1 Matchday 29 Round-Up

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Vegalta Sendai 3-2 Urawa Reds
Yokohama F Marinos 4-0 Jubilo Iwata
Omiya Ardija 1-1 Albirex Niigata
Kawasaki Frontale 2-3 Gamba Osaka
Shimizu S-Pulse 1-1 Vissel Kobe
Sagan Tosu 1-3 Nagoya Grampus
Consadole Sapporo 0-0 Kashima Antlers
Cerezo Osaka 1-1 FC Tokyo
Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-2 Kashiwa Reysol

Table, as always, at http://www.jsoccer.com/tables/

It gets ever-more tight in J1 after this weekend’s results after Sanfrecce Hiroshima – sitting atop the league with a five point lead two games back – losing, at home to Kashiwa Reysol, and finding they are now on top on goal difference alone. Meanwhile 2nd placed Vegalta Sendai took out 3rd placed Urawa Reds (3-2) to, realistically make the race for the Championship a two horse race now but, as we all know in J.League, anything can still happen! Shimizu S-Pulse fans will be hoping, no perhaps that should be dreaming that the unexpected CAN occur as they close in on Urawa Reds, albeit with a home draw (1-1) against Vissel Kobe. With a win, S-Pulse might still be dreaming of a final run that brings them the title, but now, they probably have to settle for stealing that 3rd spot off Reds?! BUt, Kashiwa Reysol’s win over the top team meant that they sneaked into 4th spot and are also ready to attack Reds’ position.

Moving on down J1, Nagoya battered Sagan’s usually impregnable home fortress and took all three points (1-3) tp push them down into 9th spot, while Jubilo were indeed battered by Yokohama F.Marinos in a 4-0 win that could well have been 6 or 8-0 from many accounts. Marinos (7th) moved above Iwata (8th) with that win, albeit by just one point, and having equal goal difference.

The mid-table match-up – and mid-table is a compliment / testament to Cerezo, after their season! – ended 1-1, points shared and those teams are in 10th (Tokyo) and 11th (Cerezo) position. Moving into the relegation dogfight, Cerezo on 39 points couldn’t possibly go down now (could they!?) and sitting on the same points total are Kawasaki Frontale, who were beaten at home in a see-saw 3-2 defeat by Gamba Osaka, who have now scored 58 goals (four more than top dogs Sanfrecce!) but have a goal difference of +1! The win was vital for Gamba, as it pulled them to within one point of safety as Omiya Ardija and Albirex Niigata fought out a 1-1 draw. Omiya remain one spot (and one point) above Gamba, but have a 15 goal deficit in the goal difference category, compared to the Osaka team! Could be very important on that final day!

To round off the matches, Kashima Antlers, after “winning” an away point in a scoreless draw in Sapporo, are still not mathematically safe, having 38 points to their name, while that away point at an in-form S-Pulse was vital for Vissel, who sit in 14th position, just one, two and three points clear of Ardija, Gamba and Albirex respectively. It looks as if J1 will be going down to the final day at the top AND the bottom?!

In the Mix, Previews

Matchday 29 – JSoccer Magazine Previews J1 Saturday October 20th

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13:00 Vegalta Sendai vs. Urawa Reds at Yurtec.S – Reds to Kill Off Sendai Title Hopes?

Urawa Reds need a win to match the 51 points of Vegalta Sendai – a loss and they go six points back with just five games to go. They’d probably have to give up on their championship hopes so need at least a draw, but preferably a win. Sanfrecce will probably be hoping for a draw or, perhaps a Reds win.

On Sendai’s side, a win will give them 54 points, which is what Sanfrecce sit on now – it’s tight at the top and points will be at a premium in the coming month. Reds have lost two of their last three, while Vegalta have lost two of their last four … both teams need some consistency to finish the season to overtake Sanfrecce. Something’s gotta give in this match, and I think that will be Vegalta.

Reds need a goalscorer, instead of relying on last-gasp goals from Popo, but they’ll do enough in this match – EXPECT a WIN for URAWA REDS!

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14:00 Yokohama F.Marinos vs. Jubilo Iwata at Nissan.S – Bore Draw in Order Today?

One of the best defences in J1 at home, entertaining one of the best attacks in the league? Or alternatively, Marinos don’t score too many, while Jubilo have conceded quite a few. Anything could happen! Since their extended unbeaten run came to and end Marinos have gone downhill, boring even their own fans. They’ve won one in their last five and are in No-Man’s land on 40 points.

Having said that, Jubilo are only two points ahead, but four spaces up and were stung by S-Pulse in the Shizuoka Derby last time out. They will be missing international forward Maeda to injury and may struggle to break down this stubborn Marinos defence. Nothing less than a win for either team would be enough to keep them in touch with that 3rd spot and an ACL place in 2013. But I feel this will be a DRAW! Not enough for either team!

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15:00 Omiya Ardija vs. Albirex Niigata at NACK5.S – A Point Each for Relegation Battlers?

This match really is the proverbial relegation dogfight six-pointer. While Albirex have scored only 22 goals (five of them in that one wild game against Grampus), Ardija have just 28, we shouldn’t expect a goalfest! Added to that Albirex have conceded only one more goal than leaders Sanfrecce, BUT have lost their ‘keeper Higashiguchi for the season, and much longer.

Omiya Ardija have been close to relegation over and over, that experience MAY come in useful. They have won two and drawn three of their last five games – an unbeaten run that has seen them move out of the bottom three, just. Albirex have also turned it around with three draws and a win in their last four… it looks very much to me like a DRAW today!

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15:00 Kawasaki Frontale vs. Gamba Osaka at Todoroki – Gamba to Earn Vital Win!
Gamba Osaka will feel hard done by after their loss at Sendai last league match and find themselves three points adrift of safety with the two teams above them playing each other. Gamba are the highest scorers in J1 but also have the second-worst defence in the division, but Kawasaki Frontale are not the best team to take advantage of that.

While Frontale managed to win two out of their last three to hit 39 points and be very close to safety. They lost on a single goal to Reysol last time out and, while their injury woes have cleared up, their teamwork has not really gelled all season … coach Kazama may be looking for a new job next season even if he racks up a few wins before the end of the season.

The desperation of Gamba Osaka will trump the average season that Frontale are having and, presuming that talisman Leandro is fit and raring to go, expect a VITAL WIN for GAMBA OSAKA!

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15:00 Shimizu S-Pulse vs. Vissel Kobe at OUTSOURCING.S – S-Pulse Hangover? Or Extended Run of Success?

Shimizu S-Pulse beat off FC Tokyo for a place in the Nabisco Cup Final last weekend and will either be on a high ready to add to their three wins in-a-row, including that semi-final OR they’ll be hungover from the celebrations and succumb to a Vissel Kobe that REALLY needs the points! Will they build on that today?

Vissel Kobe have been hit by centre back problems, with Kitamoto suspended and Inoha returning from national team duty to report he is three weeks out of the game. They also have Tashiro in and out of the treatment room up front, and Okubo confirmed as missing at least two weeks. It’s time for a big game from Tokura, and Vissel have to pray that the error-prone Takagi is on form if he is selected as a cover centre back today.

Both teams have been rebuilding and, with some luck it could have been Vissel in that top six spot but, instead, they find themselves fighting relegation and need the win. Do they need it more than S-Pulse? EXPECT a DRAW! Shared spoils.

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15:00 Sagan Tosu vs. Nagoya Grampus at Saga – Sagan Home Form to Return!

Just a single point separates these teams in 7th and 8th places and Sagan’s home fortress has been breached recently, although they have still conceded only 30 goals in their maiden J1 season so far and have out-paced all the critics’ expectations, but are fading now as the season draws to a close. Cerezo Osaka took them out last game and they will want to show their home fans that they have not given up on their season yet.

Even though they have only scored four goals in the last five games, two of those were wins… they have lost two of their last three, though, including that confidence-killing 5-0 defeat from Albirex Niigata. Three or four wins in their final month could give them an air of respectability, while three or four losses would see them in the bottom half… what do they have left in them? They will miss Josh Kennedy if he continues to suffer from those back injuries but Tamada, Nagai et al should take on the goalscoring and creating among themselves.

EXPECT a WIN for SAGAN TOSU!

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16:00 Consadole Sapporo vs. Kashima Antlers at Atsubetsu – Surely Sapporo Can’t Win Two In-a-Row!

Last time out in J1 everyone had Consadole Sapporo down for a thrashing at the hands of Urawa Reds, but the surprise of the day, week, month (season?) saw Reds capitulate to the already-relegated team – at home! Once the “relief” of knowing their destiny sweeps over a doomed team, perhaps a change takes place! Could they win another? They’d have to go against history, having never even gained a point against today(s opponents in the past, but nothing is impossible, is it!?

Kashima Antlers made short work of Reysol last week in their Nabisco Cup semi-final and thrashed FC Tokyo 5-1 in their last league match, their up and down season will be on an up this time out and they’ll be hoping to continue their run with a win against Consadole. Osako got back among the goals recently and, with Maeda injured and Havenaar not having the best games in the national team jersey, perhaps Osaka will feel the chance to attract the eye of national team coach Alberto Zaccheroni over the next month or so – it’s now or never, Osako! EXPECT a WIN for KASHIMA ANTLERS!

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18:00 Cerezo Osaka vs. FC Tokyo at KINCHO.S – Cerezo to Continue Rise!

Cerezo Osaka are on the up – four wins in their last five games have taken them to the brink of safety. Re-hired coach Levir Culpi has almost completed his job and will be on his way in early December, leaving a space for a new coach – who that is, and whether Cerezo can hold on to their players for 2013 will decide the future of the team. They will give their all to get the win that will almost guarantee safety.

FC Tokyo have lost two of their last three and sit two points above Cerezo on the 40 points that probably does see them safe, but losing to Cerezo will dent the confidence indeed. Morishige is an influential player to lose on an away trip to a team in form and coach Popovic has not yet shown enough faith in Vucicevic to give him the start, but he looks more the apart than Edmilson – a stopgap at best? I EXPECT a WIN for CEREZO OSAKA!

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19:00 Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs. Kashiwa Reysol at Hiroshima.B – Sanfrecce to Consolidate Top Spot.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima are unbeaten in their last five and showing the form that should keep their head above water if it continues … with the two teams closest to them playing each other it is their chance to pull away from at least one of them, perhaps both – if there is a draw there! They are reporting no new injuries and have no suspensions and will be confident and ready to consolidate their place at the top. Losing this game will be a tragedy and they will NOT let that happen. Sato will be buoyed by his recognition of national team selection – although he didn’t play on the European tour – and will be on a high that his team will join.

Kashiwa Reysol have lost three of their last four – including a Nabisco Cup semi-final against Kashima Antlers and are missing Leandro Domingues and the reliable Sugai, they realistically have nothing left to play for? Six points out of 3rd place and playing the top team today, they can expect little chance of bouncing back from their cup defeat here today. With Sanfrecce knowing how much this game means I can’t see anything other than a WIN for SANFRECCE HIROSHIMA!

Follow Alan on Twitter @JSoccerMagazine

In the Mix, Previews

J1 Preview – Urawa Reds vs Consadole Sapporo at Saitama Stadium – Oct.6, Matchday 28

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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!

In the Mix, Previews

J1 Preview Sat. Sept.15th – 19:00 Yokohama F. Marinos vs Urawa Reds at Nissan Stadium

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Yokohama F.Marinos only reporting long term injury victim Amano.
Urawa Reds – apart from MF Naoki Yamada who is out for the season, no other injuries reported this week.

Since 2003 we have seen 10 wins each, and five draws – even all the way!

Yokohama F.Marinos had a long run unbeaten and rose up the table before biting the dust against Cerezo Osaka away and then losing another up against FC Tokyo. The Marinos bubble burst and many fans are hoping it will mean that Manabu Saito will get more time on the field after returning from London 2012. Shunsuke Nakamura has not shown too much of his super skills this season, perhaps he should make way for Saito? Marinos have conceded only 26 goals this season BUT have scored only 30, with Marquinos, Ono and Oguro misfiring often.
Up against Urawa Reds, who will be looking for a win to make up for the disappointment of a draw in the Saitama Derby last time out, will be a tough ask for Marinos.

Reds seem to be gearing up for a tilt at the top in the final games and since the top two are playing each other this week, a win for Reds is imperative. They won’t let this opportunity pass will they?

EXPECT a WIN for URAWA REDS!

Previews

J1 Preview Aug.25th – 18:00 Shimizu S-Pulse vs Urawa Reds at Ecopa

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Shimizu S-Pulse – LB Lee and CB Jong-a-Pin are suspended, while DF Yoshida is undergoing fitness tests.
Urawa Reds – all players seem to be fit for selection except Naoki Yamada who is out for the season.

Head to Head – ten wins each and four draws over the last decade – very even. Reds won the encounter earlier this year, but you have to go back to 2008 for Reds’ last League win before that!

Shimizu S-Pulse have begun a revival, as predicted here and this game is a major test of their credentials. A win for S-Pulse will put them within one point of Urawa Reds, while a win for Reds will dent Shimizu’s confidence and send them 7 points adrift of their opponents. Both teams have had problems scoring this season, though S-Pulse have finally started finding the net in the last few weeks and new signing, Korean Olympic forward Kim Hyun Sung will be looking to score his first for the team, while Omae and Takagi are hitting goals again, ably supported by Alex Brosque. So, while the forwards may be on song, the team will be without at least two of their regular defence and so may consider curtailing the attacking tendencies to concentrate on keeping it tight at the back – or maybe not! Coach Afshin Ghotbi is a swashbuckling type and while his players are confident he may just hope to score more goals than Reds!
As noted, Urawa Reds are not scoring many goals, so may not trouble the depleted S-Pulse defence as mush as they should… Ugajin has been scoring from midfield recently, and Haraguchi is gaining confidence up front. If the likes of Tanaka, Popo and Despotovic can give help from the bench Reds may hit the net today.

I am going to stick my neck out and go for a highscoring WIN for SHIMIZU S-PULSE!

Previews

J1 Preview Aug.18th – 19:00 Urawa Reds vs Kashima Antlers at Saitama

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Urawa Reds – FW Marcio Richardes is suspended. MF Naoki Yamada is out for the season.

Kashima Antlers – DF / MF Koji Nakata will be out for two months with a knee injury.

7 wins for Antlers, 6 wins for Reds and 7 draws since 2003

Urawa Reds were put in their place by Vissel Kobe last weekend, Yoshito Okubo’s penalty keeping them from moving to within a win of the top spot. Kashima Antlers have won 3 of their last 5 including a win over Jubilo Iwata last week – they are missing Koji Nakata to injury, but Iwamasa will be buoyed by a national team recall. Reds have won only two of their last five, yet still remain in reach of the top spot – a testament to the unpredictability of J1 this year – and every year! I seriously believe that anyone down to S-Pulse in 10th position can still win this league so Reds must win this to keep the lower teams at bay.

Kashima Antlers will be hoping the likes of Kuroki and Osako can score the goals that will keep them out of the relegation zone but Reds will be too strong for them today – EXPECT a WIN for URAWA REDS!

Previews

PREVIEW May 12th 16:00 Urawa Reds v. Albirex Niigata at Saitama Stadium

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Urawa Reds – FW Escudero is playing in training matches. MF Umesaki has a hamstring problem. FW Popo is considered doubtful.

Urawa Reds (P10 W5 D2 L3 GD +10) have only won one of their last four, losing at home to Marinos last week, while being held by Jubilo Iwata last time out. They suffer from a lack of a real striker, although Marcio Richardes and Popo do their best – it may not be enough to prolong an attack at the top spot. Genki Haraguchi scored a beautiful striker’s goal against Jubilo and, if he is fighting fit again, clear of injury, he will be a big addition to the Reds’ arsenal. The flat three at the back seems settled now, with Yuki Abe taking one of the two defensive midfield spots as opposed to a back line role. A wise decision, I believe.

Albirex Niigata (P10 W2 D2 L6 GD -5) have struggled, as expected, this season. The forward additions they have to rely on are Shoki Hirai – on loan from Gamba – and Kisho Yano – back from Europe with his tail between his legs. Neither have set the team alight as yet. They do have two away wins to show for themselves this season – at Cerezo and Sanfrecce, but Reds know that if they are to keep in touch with the top three they must win this kind of game. Winning one in the last four is just not good enough so EXPECT a BIG WIN for Urawa Reds!

Over the last decade Reds have won this meeting 15 times, while Albirex have won just twice, with two draws. Those two wins for Niigata came in J1 in 2006 and the Nabisco Cup in 2005.

Archives, In the Mix, Reports

JSoccer.COMment – Results Round-Up of Games 8, 9 and 10

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