Urawa Reds vs Tokyo

Two in-form J1 League sides are set to trade tackles at Saitama Stadium as Urawa Reds take on Tokyo.

Urawa Reds fought back from an early deficit to see off Sagan Tosu 2-1 last time out, making it two league wins in a row following a frustrating run of five consecutive draws in all competitions (90mins only). Since both those wins saw the ‘Red Devils’ get on the scoresheet within the opening 20 minutes, a quick-fire start could be in store. That could prove a shortcut to another triumph, considering the last three J1 League encounters between Urawa and Tokyo have seen one or both sides fail to score (W1, D1, L1). Confidence shouldn’t be in short supply for Maciej Skorza’s side after they’ve strung together 12 competitive games without losing (W6, D6) since a 2-0 home defeat to Sagan Tosu in early May.

Like their hosts, Tokyo will take the field in a buoyant mood, inspired by a three-game winning streak in all competitions, bookended by a dramatic 1-0 home victory over relegation-battling Kashiwa Reysol last time out. While a 3-1 cup triumph over Kyoto on their most recent travel arrested Tokyo’s underwhelming five-game winless run on the road (D1, L4), it’s worth noting all those five collapses came in league action. On top of that, three of those four losses saw the ‘Gas’ concede 3+ goals, highlighting their massive defensive issues on hostile turf. Particularly vulnerable before halftime, they’ve shipped a league-high 11 first-half goals away from home this term.