Leaders Kagoshima Face In-Form Kumamoto; Ryukyu Chase Fourth Straight Win Against Tottori [Preview: MEIJI YASUDA J3 Matchweek 14]

All 10 Matchweek 14 fixtures in the MEIJI YASUDA J3 LEAGUE will be played on 31 October.

League leaders Kagoshima host Kumamoto after losing to FC Osaka, their second defeat of the season. Having struggled to defend set pieces in that match, they will be looking to make improvements. Kumamoto edged Gifu to record their third consecutive victory. Ora Ishihara scored twice in that win and will be hoping to make another decisive contribution.

Second-placed Ehime travel to Tochigi SC after suffering a heavy defeat against Fukushima. Having conceded four goals, they will need a much stronger defensive performance. Tochigi SC drew with Sagamihara, missing the chance to secure back-to-back wins. They have kept two consecutive clean sheets but need to improve in attack, with Yoshihito Kondo expected to lead the line.

Third-placed Yamaguchi host Kitakyushu after beating Matsumoto 2-0. Riku Gunji scored his first goal since joining the club and will be hoping to build on that performance. Kitakyushu defeated Nagano 3-1, with Daigo Takahashi continuing his good form. Having scored in three straight matches, he will again be a key attacking threat.

Fukushima welcome Matsumoto in a meeting between the teams in 14th and 15th, both on 14 points. Fukushima beat Ehime to claim their second consecutive victory, with Kazumasa Shimizu scoring twice. He will be one to watch again. Matsumoto lost to Yamaguchi, missing the chance to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Maintaining their momentum throughout the second half will be crucial.

Kanazawa host Gunma after beating Shiga to claim their first win in four matches. Keita Buwanika scored twice in that victory and will be looking to lead the attack once again. Gunma edged Sanuki 1-0, with substitute Shota Aoki scoring the winner. How they use him in this match could again prove important.

Gifu welcome FC Osaka after their three-match winning streak ended in defeat to Kumamoto. They took the lead but ultimately lost, highlighting the need to manage games more effectively when ahead. FC Osaka beat leaders Kagoshima to record their second straight win. Takumi Shimada has scored in both matches and will be looking to continue his run.

Sanuki host Nara after losing to Gunma, missing the chance to win consecutive matches. They created opportunities but failed to score and will be hoping for a better finishing display. Nara lost to Ryukyu, suffering back-to-back defeats for the second time this season. With key attacker Shuhei Kawasaki suspended, the player brought in to replace him will have an important role to play.

Kochi welcome Sagamihara after drawing with Tottori to end a six-match losing streak. However, they remain winless in 10 matches and have scored just five goals this season. Origbaajo Ismaila, who has been a regular starter, will be expected to help improve their attacking fortunes. Sagamihara drew with Tochigi SC and are now without a win in two matches. Having failed to score from just six shots, they will need to show greater attacking intent.

Nagano host Shiga after a defeat to Kitakyushu extended their losing run to two matches. Having conceded three goals, improving their defensive organisation will be a priority. Shiga lost to Kanazawa and have now suffered three straight defeats. Eiji Kubo scored his first goal since joining the club and will be hoping to help end that run.

Ryukyu welcome Tottori after an emphatic victory over Nara took their winning streak to three matches. Hayato Asakawa scored twice, including his first goal of the season, and will be looking to build on that performance. Tottori drew with Kochi and are now winless in four matches. Having scored just once during that run, they will need a much stronger showing in attack.