Leaders Ehime Face Second-Placed Kagoshima; Nagano and Matsumoto Meet in Derby [Preview: MEIJI YASUDA J3 Matchweek 11]

All 10 matches in Matchweek 11 of the MEIJI YASUDA J3 LEAGUE will be played on 17 and 18 October.

The standout fixture sees second-placed Kagoshima host leaders Ehime, with the two sides level on 23 points. Kagoshima suffered their first defeat of the season against Matsumoto last time out and failed to score despite registering 16 shots. They will need to be more clinical against an Ehime side that have won two in a row. Shota Hino has scored in each of their last two matches and will again be one to watch.

Nagano and Matsumoto meet in another eye-catching derby. Nagano ended a two-match losing run with victory over Kochi, with Kotaro Fujikawa and Shu Yoshizawa both on target. Matsumoto, meanwhile, claimed their second league win of the season by beating leaders Kagoshima before pushing J1 side Hiroshima all the way in Wednesday’s Levain Cup tie. Their defence has looked more solid in recent matches, and they will aim to carry that form into the derby.

Third-placed Yamaguchi host Kochi after extending their unbeaten run to seven matches with victory over Tochigi SC. They have conceded just three goals during that run, while Shunsuke Yamamoto continues to provide a threat in attack. Kochi have dropped to the bottom after four straight defeats. Aoto Nanamure scored against Nagano last time out and could provide the spark they need.

Gifu welcome Fukushima after edging Tottori 1-0. Rookie Kanata Yakabi scored his first league goal to settle the match and will hope to build on that breakthrough. Fukushima drew with Shiga and are now without a win in two. Yuki Okada, who has scored in three consecutive matches, remains one of their biggest attacking threats.

Tottori host Gunma after defeat to Gifu ended their winning run. Hinata Konishi scored twice against Cerezo Osaka in Wednesday’s Levain Cup match and will now look to carry that form into the league. Gunma edged Ryukyu to halt a two-match losing run, with Ren Fujimura opening his account for the season.

Kitakyushu host FC Osaka after suffering their first defeat in four matches against Nara. They created chances but lacked a clinical touch, so greater cutting edge in front of goal will be needed. FC Osaka are without a win in two after drawing with Kanazawa and have conceded in second-half stoppage time in each of their last two matches. Seeing games through more effectively will be key.

Kanazawa host Nara after a late Keita Shirawachi equaliser earned them a draw against FC Osaka. Nara arrive on a five-match winning streak after beating Kitakyushu, with Yuta Togashi and Rikuto Ando both on target. The pair will again be central to their attack.

Ryukyu and Tochigi SC meet with the sides sitting 14th and 15th respectively. Ryukyu are without a win in four after losing to Gunma and have struggled to manage matches after the break. Tochigi SC, meanwhile, have gone five matches without a win and have appointed Yoshimi Hamasaki as interim manager following the departure of Atsushi Yoneyama. His first task will be to help the side regain some momentum.

Shiga host Sagamihara after extending their winless run to three matches with a draw against Fukushima. Frank Romero is still searching for his first goal of the season. Sagamihara, by contrast, have won two in a row after beating Sanuki, with Toshio Shimakawa scoring twice in their latest victory.

Kamatamare Sanuki host Roasso Kumamoto after a comeback defeat to S.C. Sagamihara extended their winless run to nine matches. Having surrendered a two-goal lead, they will need to manage winning positions more effectively. Kumamoto have gone two matches without a win after losing to Ehime, while their attack has failed to score in successive games.