Machida Look to Build on Strong Start Against Chiba, While Tokyo V Face Kashiwa at MUFG National Stadium [Preview: MEIJI YASUDA J1 Matchweek 2]

The MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE continues with 10 Matchweek 2 fixtures on 14 and 15 August.
 
Machida travel to Chiba after an emphatic win in their opening match. Having made full use of their numerical advantage to thrash FC Tokyo 5-1, they will look to carry that momentum into Matchweek 2. Yuki Soma, who inspired their goal rush, will once again be a key figure. Chiba, meanwhile, were beaten by Hiroshima and were unable to mark their return to J1 with a victory. Can they bounce back in their long-awaited first home game? Takumi Tsukui, who showed plenty of attacking intent in the opener, will look to provide the spark.
 
Hiroshima, who beat Chiba in their opener, travel to face Urawa. Takumu Kawamura marked his return with a goal and will be looking to make an impact again. Urawa began their campaign with defeat after coming out on the wrong side of a high-scoring encounter with Gamba Osaka. They nevertheless showed their resilience by coming from behind to take the lead despite being a man down. Harumi Minamino, who scored his first goal since joining the club, will look to help fire Urawa to their first win.
 
Tokyo V face Kashiwa at MUFG National Stadium on Friday. Tokyo V drew with Kawasaki Frontale last time out, conceding a late equaliser after taking the lead. Seeing out matches will therefore be a key focus this week. Kashiwa edged Mito 2-1 in their opener and will be aiming to make it two wins from two and avenge two defeats to Tokyo V in the 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE.
 
Kashima welcome Nagoya after a thrilling comeback victory over Yokohama FM in their opening match. Their ability to overturn a two-goal deficit showed that their resilience remains as strong as ever. Cavric struck twice to inspire the victory and will be looking to deliver again this week. Nagoya, meanwhile, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Shimizu. Having failed to find a way through despite their numerical advantage, they will need more from their attack.
 
Mito host Gamba Osaka after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Kashiwa last time out. Can they claim a historic first J1 victory in their first J1 home match? Gamba Osaka opened their campaign with a high-scoring victory over Urawa. They also played in Korea on Tuesday in Asian competition, leaving them just three days to prepare. Despite the demanding schedule, that victory should give them momentum heading into Matchweek 2.
 
Shimizu welcome Yokohama FM after holding on to a slender lead despite being a man down to beat Nagoya 1-0 in their opener. New arrivals including Hidehiro Sugai made an immediate impact and will once again have important roles to play. Yokohama FM, meanwhile, surrendered a two-goal lead in their comeback defeat to Kashima. Seeing out matches after their late collapse will be a key area for improvement.
 
Okayama host Nagasaki after narrowly losing to Cerezo Osaka in their opening match. Having taken the lead only to suffer a comeback defeat, managing the game from a winning position will be key as they seek their first victory. Nagasaki marked their return to J1 by beating Kyoto, with Thiago Santana scoring a brace. Can he make the difference again this week?
 
Kawasaki Frontale welcome Kyoto after snatching a 1-1 draw against Tokyo V thanks to a last-gasp equaliser in their opening match. Lazar Romanic came off the bench to score the crucial leveller, and how he is deployed this week could again prove important. Kyoto were beaten 2-1 by Nagasaki. Having conceded early and struggled to regain control of the match, they will be looking for a much stronger start this time.
 
Kobe host FC Tokyo after opening their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Fukuoka. Yuya Osako scored the decisive goal and will once again be expected to lead the attack. FC Tokyo, meanwhile, suffered a heavy defeat to Machida. Although they were reduced to 10 men, addressing the defensive issues that saw them concede five goals will be an urgent priority.
 
Fukuoka welcome Cerezo Osaka after narrowly losing to Kobe in their opener. They created chances despite the defeat but will need to be more clinical in front of goal. Can new signing Werik Popo open his account? Cerezo Osaka came from behind to beat Okayama, with both Solomon Sakuragawa and Yumeki Yokoyama finding the net. The attacking duo will again be expected to play a key role.