Holders Hiroshima Face Yokohama FM; Tosu Aim for Another J1 Upset Against Kawasaki Frontale [Preview: Levain Cup First Round – Round 4]

The remaining four Round 4 fixtures in the J.League Yamazaki Biscuits Levain Cup First Round will be played on 28 October. The other two ties, involving four clubs competing in Asian competitions, were played on 3 October, with Machida beating Kyoto on penalties and Kashiwa edging Gamba Osaka 5-4 to reach the quarter-finals.
 
Defending champions Hiroshima travel to Yokohama F. Marinos as they look to retain their title. They battled to a 1-0 victory over Matsumoto in Round 3 before cruising to a 4-0 league win over Shimizu last weekend. Takuma Asano scored his first goal since returning to the club in that match and will be looking to make his mark in the cup as well.
 
Yokohama FM beat Shimizu 2-1 in Round 3. Although they have struggled to turn draws into wins in the league, their defence has remained solid. They will look to build on that strength, with Kaina Tanimura expected to play a key role in attack.
 
Mito host Cerezo Osaka after edging FC Tokyo 1-0 in Round 3. Six consecutive league defeats have prompted a change of manager ahead of this tie, with Naoki Mori returning to take charge. Having previously led Mito to J1 promotion, he will now be tasked with turning their fortunes around.
 
Cerezo were made to work hard for their 3-2 win over Tottori in Round 3. They remain winless in seven league matches but showed their resilience against Chiba last time out, scoring twice in stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw. Yumeki Yokoyama struck the dramatic equaliser and will be hoping to make another decisive contribution.
 
Nagoya welcome Urawa after overcoming Okayama on penalties in Round 3. They are unbeaten in their last four league matches and appear to be finding their form. Manager Mihailo Petrovic faces the club he managed until 2017, and his tactical decisions could prove key to the outcome.
 
Urawa cruised to a 4-0 victory over Yokohama FC in Round 3 and have also won their last three league matches. Their high-intensity defending has been a particular strength, while Hiiro Komori, who scored against Yokohama FC, will be one to watch in attack.
 
Tosu, the only J2 side to reach Round 4, host Kawasaki Frontale after beating Fukuoka 2-1 in the previous round. Specially designated player Kaito Yoshino scored in that victory and will be hoping to help Tosu overcome another J1 opponent.
 
Kawasaki recorded an emphatic 4-0 victory over Iwata in Round 3 and have also won three straight league matches. So Kawahara faces his former club, where he played until 2024, and will be looking to make a decisive contribution.

■Check Out the Key Battles in Each Match
Mito vs Cerezo Osaka
Yokohama F. Marinos vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Nagoya Grampus vs Urawa Reds
Sagan Tosu vs Kawasaki Frontale