In-Form Toyama Face Leaders Sendai; Miyazaki Chase Fourth Straight Win Against Tochigi City [Preview: MEIJI YASUDA J2 Matchweek 15]

All 10 Matchweek 15 fixtures in the MEIJI YASUDA J2 LEAGUE will be played on 3 November. With only two days' rest since the previous round, teams will need to draw on their full squads.

The standout fixture sees third-placed Toyama host leaders Sendai, with just two points separating the sides. Toyama edged second-placed Niigata last time out, with Kiyoshiro Tsuboi scoring the winner. Can he deliver another decisive contribution? Sendai, meanwhile, lost to Omiya, suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time this season. Having conceded multiple goals in both matches, they will need to tighten up defensively.

Second-placed Niigata travel to Kofu after losing to Toyama, missing the chance to record a third straight win. Improving a defence that conceded three goals will be a priority. Kofu drew with Imabari and are now winless in four matches. With problems at both ends of the pitch, they will be looking for a result against one of the leading sides to help turn their fortunes around.

Yamagata welcome Tokushima after beating Hachinohe to claim their first win in six matches. Rennosuke Kawana made an important contribution off the bench and will be looking to impress again. Tokushima lost to Yokohama FC, missing the chance to record consecutive victories. With goals proving hard to come by, they will be looking to Thonny Anderson to deliver up front.

Omiya host Iwaki after beating leaders Sendai to end a three-match winless run. Toya Izumi and Ota Yamamoto both scored in that victory and will again be key figures in attack. Iwaki beat Tochigi City to extend their unbeaten run to five matches. Yutaka Michiwaki has been finding his form and will be one to watch.

Yokohama FC welcome Akita after beating Tokushima to extend their unbeaten run to four matches. Kanta Chiba scored the winner and will be looking to deliver again. Akita drew with Fujieda, missing the chance to claim consecutive wins for the first time this season. Having surrendered their lead, they will need to manage games more effectively when ahead.

Shonan host Tosu after losing to Sapporo, their first defeat in nine matches. Despite registering 14 shots, they failed to score and will need to be more clinical. Tosu also created chances but struggled to convert them in a defeat to Iwata that brought their winning run to an end. Finishing will be a key concern for both sides.

Fujieda welcome fellow Shizuoka Prefecture side Iwata. A draw with Akita left Fujieda winless in 10 matches, although Yuto Nakamura has shown encouraging form with two goals in his last three appearances. Iwata beat Tosu to extend their unbeaten run to five matches. Matheus Peixoto scored his first goal of the season and will be looking to build on that performance.

Oita host Hachinohe after losing to Miyazaki, their first defeat in 10 matches. Having conceded early, they will be determined to make a stronger start. Hachinohe lost to Yamagata for their second consecutive defeat. Managing the second half more effectively will be important after they left openings for their opponents.

Miyazaki welcome Tochigi City in a meeting between two promoted sides. Miyazaki beat Oita to record their third straight victory and climb to sixth place. Ken Tshizanga Matsumoto has scored in each of their last three games and will again be a major attacking threat. Tochigi City lost to Iwaki and have now gone nine matches without a win. Byron Vasquez opened his account for the season in that match and will be aiming to help his side claim all three points.

Imabari host Sapporo after drawing with Kofu, extending their winless run to four matches. Yoshiaki Komai will be looking to score his first goal of the season against his former club. Sapporo beat Shonan to make it four wins and four clean sheets in a row. Their defence has been impressive, while regular starter Shingo Omori will be looking to make his mark in attack.