Kyoto Sanga vs Kawasaki Frontale

Out-of-form Kawasaki Frontale travel to the Sanga Stadium by Kyocera to take on Kyoto Sanga in a must-win J1 League fixture.

Kyoto Sanga head into proceedings keen to halt a rotten spell of form that has seen them go winless in their last six J1 League matches (D2, L4). Composure in front of goal requires an immediate improvement as ‘Sanga’ have failed to get on the scoresheet in four of their six previous league outings, netting precisely once per game in the other two. Though Kyoto’s indifferent home form during this J1 League campaign (W2, D2, L3) gives the impression of an unpredictable side, Cho Kwi-jae’s men have been nothing if not predictable in the front third. Except for a 3-1 triumph over Sagan Tosu in early April, they have scored under 1.5 goals in their six remaining home league matches, averaging 0.5 goals per game.

On the other hand, Kawasaki Frontale have experienced a slight downfall in the build-up to this clash, going from four consecutive J1 League victories to back-to-back league games without winning (D1, L1). With Kashima Antlers leapfrogging them into the summit, the reigning champions will be desperate to return to winning ways against a side they’ve defeated in three of their last four top-flight H2Hs on the road (L1). Staying compact at the back could prove crucial to Kawaski’s hopes of getting the result they need, as eight of their nine league triumphs this season have yielded a clean sheet.