Gifu Look to Build on Impressive Start Against Kochi; Shiga Seek First J3 Win Away to Matsumoto [Preview: MEIJI YASUDA J3 Matchweek 2]

The MEIJI YASUDA J3 LEAGUE continues with 10 Matchweek 2 fixtures on 15 and 16 August.

Gifu host Kochi after an impressive win in their opening match. Although Shiga were reduced to 10 men, Gifu ran out comfortable 3-0 winners away from home. Can new signing Hayato Kanda, who opened the scoring, deliver again this week? Kochi, meanwhile, played out a goalless draw with Matsumoto. They created chances but struggled to make them count and will be looking for more from their attack.

Ehime, who also made a strong start, welcome Tottori. They will look to carry the momentum from their 4-1 victory over Nara into Matchweek 2. Shota Tamura scored a brace against his former club and will again be a key figure. Tottori drew 1-1 with FC Osaka. Shinya Yajima, who provided the assist for the opening goal, will once again be key to their attack.

Kitakyushu host Sanuki in their first match of the season after their opening fixture was postponed. Ryotaro Tanaka takes charge of the side this season, and all eyes will be on how his team performs. Sanuki opened their campaign with a comeback victory over Fukushima. Can rookie Ryoma Sano, who scored his first professional goal, shine again this week?

Gunma host Sagamihara after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kagoshima in their opener. Despite enjoying much more possession, they created few chances and will need to turn more of that possession into shots. Sagamihara played out a goalless draw with Kumamoto. Despite registering 25 shots, they failed to find the net and will need to be more clinical in front of goal.

Kanazawa and Fukushima meet with both sides looking to bounce back from opening-day defeats. Kanazawa came out on the wrong side of a high-scoring encounter with Tochigi SC. Having conceded twice late on to suffer a comeback defeat, seeing out matches will be a key focus. Fukushima lost 2-1 to Sanuki and will need to improve their defending from set pieces.

Yamaguchi welcome Ryukyu after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Nagano in their opener. Despite registering 16 shots, they failed to find the net and will be looking for more from their attack. Ryukyu's opening fixture was postponed, making this their first match of the season. After finishing 34th in the 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE, they have strengthened their defence as they look to turn things around this season.

Kumamoto host Tochigi SC and will be determined to claim a victory to lift their local community affected by the Kumamoto earthquakes. They drew 0-0 with Sagamihara last time out, with their resolute defending helping them keep a clean sheet. In attack, Koya Fujii and Jeongmin Bae will be expected to lead the line. Tochigi SC came from behind to beat Kanazawa. Central midfielders Taishi Nagai and Hiroto Sese both found the net and will again have key roles to play at both ends of the pitch.

FC Osaka welcome Nagano after drawing 1-1 with Tottori in their opener. Yuto Minakuchi impressed at both ends of the pitch and will again be a key figure. Nagano beat Yamaguchi 1-0, with ace Kotaro Fujikawa scoring the decisive goal. He will again be expected to make an impact.

Nara host Kagoshima after suffering a heavy defeat to Ehime in their opening match. Tightening up a defence that conceded four goals will be a priority. Kagoshima beat Gunma 1-0 to make a strong start in their bid to return to J2. Can rookie Keigo Nakayama, who scored the decisive goal, deliver again this week?

Matsumoto welcome Shiga after playing out a goalless draw with Kochi. New signings Yuya Taguchi and Shota Kaneko both created chances after coming off the bench, and they will be looking to help Matsumoto claim their first win. Shiga, meanwhile, lost to Gifu and were unable to mark their J3 debut with a victory. They faced an uphill battle after being reduced to 10 men but will look to bounce back and claim their first-ever J3 victory.