Kashiwa Aim for Five Wins from Five at Cerezo Osaka; Kashima Face Mito in Ibaraki Derby [Preview: MEIJI YASUDA J1 Matchweek 5]

All 10 Matchweek 5 fixtures in the MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE will be played on 2 September.
 
Kashiwa sit top of the table after four wins from four and travel to face Cerezo Osaka. They edged Shimizu 1-0 last time out, with expectations once again high for Yusuke Segawa, who has scored the winner in each of their last three matches. Cerezo lost 1-0 to Kobe and were unable to make it back-to-back wins. Despite having more shots and possession, they failed to score, so improving their quality in the final third will be key.
 
Mito host Kashima in the first Ibaraki derby to be played in J1. Mito drew with Machida last time out to extend their unbeaten run to three matches. Can Arata Watanabe, who opened his account for the season, deliver again? Kashima beat Tokyo V to make it four wins from four. Leo Ceara has scored in all four matches and already has six goals this season and will once again be a key figure. The two sides won one match apiece when they met in the MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE. Which way will this one go?
 
Machida and Kawasaki Frontale meet in a battle of unbeaten sides. Machida drew with Mito last time out, bringing their three-match winning run to an end. Can new signing Koki Ogawa, who made his debut in that match, open his account for the club? Kawasaki Frontale cruised past Chiba to claim their first win of the season. New signing Derik Lacerda made a huge impact after being called into action unexpectedly, contributing a goal and two assists, and could again be key.
 
Hiroshima host Nagoya after drawing with Gamba Osaka last time out to make it two straight draws. They created chances but lacked a cutting edge and will be looking for more from their attacking players, including Sebastien Haller. Nagoya beat Okayama to make it two wins in a row. They will look to carry the momentum from their late winner into this match and make it three straight victories.
 
Chiba host Okayama after losing to Kawasaki Frontale to suffer their fourth straight defeat to start the season. Can Kazuki Tanaka, who scored twice last time out, help them turn things around? Okayama lost to Nagoya and are now winless in two matches. Ataru Esaka is still searching for his first goal of the season.
 
Tokyo V welcome Kobe after losing to Kashima and remain winless after four matches. Having failed to score in either of their last two games, they will need more from their attack. Kobe beat Cerezo Osaka to claim their first win in three matches. With several key players absent, Yosuke Ideguchi’s influence in midfield could prove decisive.
 
Yokohama FM host Kyoto after losing to Urawa and missing the chance to make it three straight wins. Their second-half game management will be an area to address after allowing Urawa to come from behind. Kyoto edged Fukuoka to claim their long-awaited first win of the season. The departure of Shinnosuke Fukuda from the team is a blow, but those given the opportunity in his absence will be looking to step up.
 
Shimizu host FC Tokyo after losing to Kashiwa to suffer their third straight defeat. They have failed to score in all three matches, highlighting their struggles in attack. Their defence has remained relatively solid, but they may need to take more risks going forward. FC Tokyo cruised past Nagasaki to make it two wins in a row. Motoki Nagakura and Marcelo Ryan both found the net and will again look to lead the attack.
 
Fukuoka host Urawa after losing to Kyoto for their second straight defeat. Having conceded early and struggled to recover, making a stronger start will be important. Urawa came from behind to beat Yokohama FM and end their three-match losing run. Can Harumi Minamino, who struck the winner, deliver another decisive contribution?
 
Nagasaki host Gamba Osaka after losing to FC Tokyo to suffer their third straight defeat. Having conceded seven goals in their last two matches, tightening up their defence will be a priority. Gamba Osaka played out a goalless draw with Hiroshima and are now winless in three matches. Can the strike partnership of Issam Jebali and Deniz Hummet produce the result they need to turn things around?

■Check Out the Key Battles in Each Match
Mito vs. Kashima
Chiba vs. Okayama
Tokyo V vs. Kobe
Machida vs. Kawasaki F
Yokohama FM vs. Kyoto
Shimizu vs. FC Tokyo
Cerezo Osaka vs. Kashiwa
Hiroshima vs. Nagoya
Fukuoka vs. Urawa
Nagasaki vs. Gamba Osaka