Shiga Target Third Straight Win Against Tottori; Unbeaten Gifu and Tochigi SC Clash [Preview: MEIJI YASUDA J3 Matchweek 4]

Ten Matchweek 4 fixtures in the MEIJI YASUDA J3 LEAGUE will be played on 29 and 30 August.

Leaders Gifu host Tochigi SC after drawing with Kagoshima last time out and missing the chance to make it three straight wins. They remain unbeaten and have kept clean sheets in all three matches so far, and will look to maintain that defensive solidity. Tochigi SC drew with Kitakyushu and are also unbeaten with one win and two draws. Having fought back from two goals down last time out, they will look to show the same resilience again.

2戦連発の日野 翔太（愛媛）に今節も期待がかかる

Ehime travel to face Kanazawa after drawing with Matsumoto and missing the chance to make it three straight wins. Their attack has been firing with 10 goals in three matches, and expectations will again be high for Shota Hino, who has scored in each of the last two matches. Kanazawa lost to Sagamihara to suffer their second defeat. They have had little trouble finding the net, but tightening up a defence that has conceded eight goals in three matches will be a key priority.

Sagamihara have climbed to third after two straight wins and travel to face Ryukyu. They beat Kanazawa 2-1 last time out. Can Ren Sugimoto, who opened his account for the season in that victory, build on the momentum? Ryukyu drew with FC Osaka and remain winless. Having conceded a late equaliser, seeing out matches will be a key focus.

Kagoshima travel to face Sanuki after drawing with Gifu to remain unbeaten. They also cruised to a 4-0 victory over Niigata in Wednesday’s Emperor's Cup and will arrive with plenty of momentum. Having conceded just once in four competitive matches, their organised defending has been a major strength. Sanuki suffered their first defeat of the season against Kochi. Can Rei Yonezawa, who has continued to feature off the bench, make an impact against his former club?

Fukushima host Nara after losing to Tottori to suffer their third straight defeat to start the season. Having suffered comeback defeats in all three matches, managing games when ahead will be a key issue. Nara beat Yamaguchi to end a two-match losing run. Can Shuhei Kawasaki, who opened his account for the season in that victory, deliver again?

Nagano host Gunma after beating Kumamoto 1-0 last time out. Can Keito Nojima, who scored the winner, produce another decisive contribution? Gunma lost to Shiga to suffer their third straight defeat. Having conceded seven goals in their last two matches, tightening up their defence is an urgent priority.

Kitakyushu and Matsumoto meet with both sides still searching for their first win. Kitakyushu drew with Tochigi SC for their second straight draw. Having let a two-goal lead slip late on, seeing out matches will be a key focus. Matsumoto drew 2-2 with Ehime. Can Shota Kaneko and Yuya Taguchi, who both scored in that match, help fire their side to three points?

Shiga host Tottori after beating Gunma to make it two straight wins. Can new signing Eiji Kubo, who has joined from Cerezo Osaka, provide another boost? Tottori beat Fukushima to record their first win of the season before pulling off a major upset with a 3-1 victory over Nagoya in the Emperor's Cup. Can Daiki Shinoda, who scored twice in that match, make his mark in the league as well?

Yamaguchi host FC Osaka after losing to Nara to suffer their second defeat of the season. They will be hoping Kosuke Fujioka can open his account for the campaign. FC Osaka drew with Ryukyu and remain unbeaten after three matches. They will look to show the same resilience after fighting back with a late equaliser last time out.

Kochi host Kumamoto after edging Sanuki to claim their first win of the season. Expectations will again be high for Genya Sekino, who scored the winner in that match. Kumamoto lost to Nagano and remain winless. Having yet to score this season, they will need more from their attack.