On Wednesday, Sagan Tosu and Consadole go head-to-head in what could be a crucial game for both team’s chances of moving away from the J-League relegation zone.
Both teams have collected just 14 points from their games in the Japanese top-flight so far this season. However, the home team has played four fewer games than the visitors, so they could easily rise higher up the table if they win their extra games.
As it is, Sagan Tosu are just three points above the relegation play-off spot, and five points clear of the automatic relegation berths.
Kim Myung Hwi’s team head into this game in decent form, as they are unbeaten in three J-League games, having picked up two wins and a draw. Their 2-1 win over Kashiwa Reysol last time out means they have now scored at least twice in their last three matches.
The home side is also unbeaten in five league matches on home soil, as they have recorded back-to-back home wins in the J-League, scoring at least two goals in the two victories.
Like the hosts, Consadole Sapporo are just three points clear of the relegation play-off spot. A 4-3 home defeat against Urawa Reds means the visitors have failed to win in nine league games, having suffered seven defeats.
Their biggest problem of late has been the concession of goals, as Mihailo Petkovic’s team has conceded at least two goals in seven of their last nine J-League matches.
The fact that Consadole Sapporo have failed to win in five away games has also not helped their chances of moving away from the danger zone. A 2-0 defeat at Cerezo Osaka was their third straight away loss and the fourth straight league match on their travels that the visitors have conceded at least two goals.
Forebet predicts that this clash will finish in a tight, low-scoring draw, which will not do either team’s chances of moving away from the relegation zone much good.