Albirex Niigata will look to extend their two-match undefeated streak on Sunday when they host Kyoto Sanga, who are without a win in their previous three.
Each team finds themselves in the bottom half of the J1 League table, with the visitors having the potential of slipping into the relegation zone if they are unable to win this weekend.
Match preview
Alibrex Niigata progressed in the Emporo's Cup in midweek with a 1-0 win courtesy of a Danilo Gomes goal which is a run that they will now be looking to continue.
They have enjoyed mixed form so far this season with four wins, five draws and seven defeats in the J1 League, and a little more consistency would help the team progress up the division.
Despite that result, Albirex Niigata have gone three consecutive games without a win in the league and that is something that the team needs to address.
Rikizo Matsuhashi's men have been stronger when playing at home, though, which should create some confidence in the team for this weekend as they will be back in front of their full support.
With a win potentially seeing them climb to 11th place in the table, there is plenty for them to play for in this particular fixture as they aim to extend the gap between themselves and their opponents.
For the visitors, there is a chance that they could end this weekend in the relegation zone if they are unable to win and teams above them pick up points.
Right now, they are just two points above the foot of the table, and after eight games without a win in the J1 League, there is a clear lack of confidence in the team.
Kyoto Sanga were also knocked out of the Emperor's Cup in midweek despite the fact that Patric scored a last-minute equaliser to take the game to extra time as they ended up losing via penalties.
It added to the difficulties that the team are struggling with right now, but a win could turn that around as it would give them the chance to push away from the relegation zone.
A lack of goals have been a major issue for them so far this season as there are only two teams in the entire division that have scored less.
Team News
Kaito Taniguchi should find himself leading the line for the hosts on Sunday after scoring a brace in their most recent league encounter.
Ryotaro Ito has typically been featuring just behind him in a creative midfield role, which has proven to be effective for the team in terms of creating chances.
Patric will be hoping he can be pushed into the starting lineup this time around after finding the back of the net in midweek, showcasing his attacking qualities.
The visitors will likely continue pushing a 4-3-3 formation to try and create a strong balance, especially since they have struggled offensively so far.
Albirex Niigata possible starting lineup:
Kojima; Arai, Chiba, Watanabe, Tagami; Akiyama, Ko; Komi, Ito, Mito; Taniguchi
Kyoto Sanga possible starting lineup:
Ota; Shirai, Tawiah, Inoue, Asada; Hirato, Kawasaki, Fukuoka; Matsuda, Toyokawa, Ichimi
We say: Albirex Niigata 2-1 Kyoto Sanga
Neither team heads into this match with much confidence overall, but with both teams in a desperate need of points it is going to be a crucial match that Alibrex Niigata could just edge.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
