Leaders Sendai Host Struggling Iwata; Unbeaten Omiya Face In-Form Miyazaki [Preview: MEIJI YASUDA J2 Matchweek 9]

Ten Matchweek 9 fixtures in the MEIJI YASUDA J2 LEAGUE will be played on 3 and 4 October.

Leaders Sendai host Iwata after a comfortable win over Iwaki extended their unbeaten run to seven matches. Motohiko Nakajima scored three goals in four games during September and will again be central to their attack. Iwata, meanwhile, have lost two straight in the league following defeat to Hachinohe, but will take confidence from Tuesday’s Levain CUP victory over J1 side Chiba. Matheus Peixoto scored twice in that 4-2 win and will be hoping to carry that form into the league.

Second-placed Omiya travel to Miyazaki after beating Kofu to claim their first win in five matches and preserve their unbeaten start to the season. Carlinhos Junior starred with two goals in that victory and could again have a major role to play. Miyazaki are also flying after beating Sapporo for their third straight win. They have scored three goals in each of those matches, with Koji Okumura finding the net in all three.

Third-placed Niigata host Tokushima after a late equaliser earned them a draw with Akita. The result denied them a second three-match winning run of the season, but once again showed their resilience. Matheus Moraes and Iury Castilho have both scored in each of the last two matches and will spearhead the attack. Tokushima arrive on the back of consecutive victories after beating Tochigi SC. Two straight clean sheets underline their defensive solidity, and they will look to maintain that form here.

Fujieda welcome Shonan after drawing with Oita to extend their winless run to four matches. They have repeatedly taken the lead only to be pegged back, making game management from winning positions an area they must address. Shonan edged Imabari to make it three matches unbeaten. Fabian Gonzalez scored the winner for his first goal since joining the club and will hope that strike can spark a strong run of form.

Kofu host Toyama looking to respond after a 5-1 defeat to Omiya left them on a three-match losing run. Reorganising a defence that conceded five last time out will be the priority. Toyama, meanwhile, are unbeaten in four after drawing 3-3 with Yokohama FC. Manato Furukawa scored twice in that match and will be aiming to turn another strong individual display into three points.

Tochigi SC welcome Imabari with both sides looking to end two-match losing runs. Tochigi SC have conceded three goals in each of their last two matches and need a response defensively. Imabari have also struggled late in games, conceding decisive goals in each of their last two defeats. Seeing out matches more effectively will be crucial.

Oita host Yamagata after a draw with Fujieda extended their run of draws to four matches. With wins proving difficult to come by, Kotaro Arima could provide the breakthrough after scoring in each of the last two matches. Yamagata ended a three-match losing run with victory over Tosu. Ryoma Kida opened his account for the season in that match and will be hoping to build on it here.

Sapporo welcome Iwaki after defeat to Miyazaki extended their winless run to seven matches. Shoji Toyama provided one bright spot by scoring his first goal since joining the club, and Sapporo will hope it can spark a turnaround. Iwaki saw their bid for a third straight win ended by Sendai. Despite registering 15 shots, they failed to find the net and will need to be more clinical this time.

Hachinohe host Yokohama FC after edging Iwata to claim their first win in four matches. Shoma Takayoshi scored the decisive goal and will look to make another telling contribution. Yokohama FC were held to a draw by Toyama after surrendering a two-goal lead. Their ability to manage the second half more effectively will be a key focus as they seek a return to winning ways.

Akita welcome Tosu after extending their unbeaten run to four matches with a draw against Niigata. Three of those four games have ended level, however, and they have been pegged back after taking the lead in each of the last two. Turning strong positions into victories will therefore be important. Tosu have lost three straight in the league after defeat to Yamagata, but Tuesday’s Levain CUP win over J1 side Tokyo V provided a timely lift. Ryo Shiohama scored twice in the extra-time victory and will be hoping to carry that momentum back into the league.

■Check Out the Key Battles in Each Match
Niigata vs. Tokushima
Fujieda vs. Shonan
Kofu vs. Toyama
Tochigi SC vs. Imabari
Oita vs. Yamagata
Sapporo vs. Iwaki
Hachinohe vs. Yokohama FC
Akita vs. Tosu
Sendai vs. Iwata
Miyazaki vs. Omiya