In-Form Shiga Target Upset Against Tokyo V; Sanuki Face Chiba Fresh from First League Win [Preview: Levain Cup First Round]

Seven First Round matches in the J.League Yamazaki Biscuits Levain Cup will be played on 9 September.

Shiga, who are competing in the J.League for the first time this season, face J1 side Tokyo V. They cruised past Sanuki in the league last weekend to climb to fourth. Can Shinta Hojo, who has already scored five goals, find the net and help them pull off an upset? Tokyo V, meanwhile, are still searching for their first league win. Having failed to score in four straight matches, they will need more from their attack.

Nagano host Mito after drawing 1-1 with Sagamihara in the league last week. Their defence has been solid, and they will look to stay resilient against Mito's attack while exploiting any openings. Mito drew with Fukuoka to extend their unbeaten run to five matches. After suffering a disappointing defeat to Kyoto Sangyo University in the Emperor's Cup, they will be determined to secure a win in this competition.

Sanuki host Chiba after suffering a heavy defeat to Shiga last weekend, extending their losing run to three matches. They will need to reorganise a defence that has conceded nine goals in three matches and put in a resilient performance against J1 opposition. Chiba, meanwhile, have shown signs of improvement after claiming their first league win. Can Ken Yamura, who scored his first goal after being handed a start, deliver again and help lead his side to victory?

Kochi face Nagasaki looking to turn things around after managing just one win in the league so far. With goals proving hard to come by, they will need to take risks and attack with greater intent. Nagasaki lost to Kobe and are now winless in five matches. Can young talents such as Tenmu Matsumoto provide the spark they need?

Fukushima host Sendai after beating Gunma last weekend to claim their first league win of the season. Could Kazuyoshi Miura, who has yet to feature in the league this season, get his chance in this competition? Sendai arrive in good form after beating Shonan to make it three straight league wins. Motohiko Nakajima has scored in each of his last two matches and will again be expected to deliver.

Tochigi SC host Yamagata after beating Kochi 2-0 in the league last weekend. Young talents such as Jiro Nakamura and Toya Myogan could hold the key as they look to overcome J2 opposition. Yamagata lost to Kofu, bringing their two-match winning run to an end. Having conceded just three goals so far, their defence has been solid, and another composed performance will be expected.

Matsumoto face Shonan still searching for their first league win after five matches. With results proving difficult to come by, they will look to use this match as a turning point. Shonan lost to Sendai and are now winless in three matches. With goals also a concern for them, can new signing Soichiro Kozuki open his account?