Unbeaten Leaders Kagoshima Host Fukushima; FC Osaka Target Fourth Straight Win at Sagamihara [Preview: MEIJI YASUDA J3 Matchweek 9]

Ten Matchweek 9 fixtures in the MEIJI YASUDA J3 LEAGUE will be played from 2 to 4 October.

Leaders Kagoshima host Fukushima after drawing with Kitakyushu last time out, a result that ended their four-match winning run but preserved their unbeaten start to the season. Juanma Delgado has continued to make an impact off the bench and could again have an important role to play. Fukushima, meanwhile, claimed their second win of the season in a high-scoring victory over Nagano, with Yuki Okada scoring twice.

Second-placed Ehime welcome Gunma after conceding a late equaliser in a draw with Ryukyu. Having missed the chance to make it back-to-back wins, seeing out matches will be a key focus. Gunma also failed to build on their previous victory, losing to Kumamoto last time out. Taika Nakashima is still searching for his first goal of the season and will hope to get off the mark here.

Third-placed FC Osaka travel to Sagamihara looking to make it four wins in a row. They beat Kochi last time out for their third straight victory and remain unbeaten this season. Their defensive solidity has been complemented by a growing attacking threat, with four goals scored in each of their last two matches. Sho Sumida has found the net in three straight games and will look to extend that run. Sagamihara, meanwhile, are winless in two after surrendering a two-goal lead in their draw with Yamaguchi. Managing the game more effectively when ahead will be important.

Shiga host Kumamoto looking to bounce back from a 4-1 defeat to Nara. With Taiga Nishiyama suspended, how they reshape their back line could prove crucial. Kumamoto arrive unbeaten in five matches after beating Gunma and have kept clean sheets in each of their last two, giving them a solid foundation heading into this fixture.

Matsumoto welcome Tottori after edging Tochigi SC to claim their long-awaited first league win of the season. They also head into this match on the back of a Levain CUP victory over J2 side Niigata on Tuesday. Ryo Takano scored the winner in that match and will now look to make his mark in the league. Tottori have lost two straight in J3 following defeat to Kanazawa, but their Levain CUP victory over J1 side Nagasaki should give them confidence as they look to turn their league form around.

Nagano host Nara after suffering their first defeat in four matches against Fukushima. Their second-half game management will be an area to address after allowing the match to get away from them. Nara, by contrast, are on a three-match winning run after beating Shiga. Sora Mochizuki came off the bench to score twice in that victory and could again provide the spark.

Gifu welcome Yamaguchi after beating Sanuki to end a three-match losing run. Hayato Kanda starred with a hat-trick and will again be central to their attack. Yamaguchi saw their three-match winning streak ended by a draw with Sagamihara, but showed plenty of resilience to come back from two goals down. Shunsuke Yamamoto scored twice to rescue a point and will be looking to carry that form into this match.

Kitakyushu host Kochi after holding leaders Kagoshima to a draw last time out. Left-back Shosaku Yasumitsu has made a strong attacking contribution in his two appearances this season, registering two goals and an assist. Kochi, meanwhile, are winless in five after defeat to FC Osaka and have scored only three goals this season. Finding more cutting edge in attack remains their biggest challenge.

Ryukyu welcome Kanazawa after a draw with Ehime extended their winless run to two matches. Yushin Koki struck a dramatic late equaliser and will now look to help turn one point into three. Kanazawa, meanwhile, beat Tottori 4-1 and will aim to carry that attacking momentum into this match as they target back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Bottom side Sanuki host Tochigi SC after suffering a sixth straight defeat against Gifu. They have continued to find the net, but tightening up defensively will be key to turning their form around. Tochigi SC have also lost two in a row and conceded five goals across those matches, leaving their own defence in need of improvement.