We have a full round of fixtures to enjoy in the Japanese J League this weekend, including the meeting between Cerezo Osaka and Urawa Red Diamonds.
The game will be played on the 16th of July at the Yanmar Stadium Nagai and the hosts begin the weekend in 5th place on 32 points while the visitors are in 4th place on 37 points.
7.13 TRAINING | 📷C大阪戦まで、あと3日🔥🔥🔥𝑵𝑬𝑿𝑻 𝑴𝑨𝑻𝑪𝑯vs セレッソ大阪🗓️7/16(日)🕖19:00📍ヨドコウ#urawareds #浦和レッズ #WeareREDS #Jリーグ #サッカー pic.twitter.com/a6pHp6WQ5y— 浦和レッズオフィシャル (@REDSOFFICIAL) July 13, 2023
7.13 TRAINING | 📷C大阪戦まで、あと3日🔥🔥🔥𝑵𝑬𝑿𝑻 𝑴𝑨𝑻𝑪𝑯vs セレッソ大阪🗓️7/16(日)🕖19:00📍ヨドコウ#urawareds #浦和レッズ #WeareREDS #Jリーグ #サッカー pic.twitter.com/a6pHp6WQ5y
Cerezo Osaka come into the match on the back of a 3-1 home victory over Omiya Ardija in the Emperor Cup third round on Wednesday night.
With the score 0-0 at half-time, Cerezo Osaka opened the scoring in the 59th minute and doubled their advantage 6 minutes later.
Cerezo Osaka ensured their progress to the fourth round with a third goal but Omiya Ardija did score a consolation in the 85th minute.
The win over Omiya Ardija was the first victory in 3 fixtures in all competitions for Cerezo Osaka.
They lost both their previous 2 matches, with the defeats coming at home against Avispa Fukuoka and away to Sagan Tosu, both in the J League.
Recent form in the J League shows Cerezo Osaka have won 2 and lost 3 of their 5 most recent games.
The wins have come at home against Vissel Kobe and away to Consadole Sapporo.
Home form in the J League shows Cerezo Osaka have won 2 of their last 3 games but only 2 of their 5 most recent league matches on home soil.
Urawa Red Diamonds make the trip to the Yanmar Stadium Nagai having beat Montedio Yamagata 1-0 at home in the Emperor Cup third round.
The only goal of the game was scored in the 64th minute and that strike was enough to see Urawa Red Diamonds progress to the fourth round.
The win over Montedio Yamagata means Urawa Red Diamonds are undefeated in each of their last 14 fixtures in all competitions.
They have won 8 of those 14 matches and 3 of their 4 most recent games.
The 3 wins have come over Shonan Bellmare at home and Sagan Tosu away in the J League plus Montedio Yamagata at home in the Emperor Cup.
From in the J League shows Urawa Red Diamonds are undefeated in their last 10 games.
They have drawn 4 of their 6 most recent league matches on the road.
Team news: Cerezo Osaka will start with Brazilian Léo Ceará up-front, who has 7 goals in the league this season.
Ryosuke Yamanaka is likely to play in midfield and he has created plenty of chances this season.
Urawa Red Diamonds could start with Jose Kanté and Shinzo Koroki in attack with Takahiro Sekine providing support from midfield.
This is going to be a close game between two teams hoping to qualify for the AFC Champions League next season. Urawa Red Diamonds are in better form but Cerezo Osaka will not be easy to beat on their own turf.
This match could end level, with under 2.5 goals scored.