Friday Preview: Kawasaki Frontale’s Foreign Center Forward Terminates Contract and Departs, Niigata Swan’s Mainstay Defensive Midfielder Sits Out

On September 27 at 18:00, the 32nd round of the J1 League will see Kawasaki Frontale host Niigata Swan.

In the 31st round of the J1 League on September 22, Kawasaki Frontale suffered a 0-2 defeat away to Nagoya Grampus, with their central defenders Takayuki Tsuboi and Kota Sasaki unable to keep up with veteran Nagoya striker Humami Kenyu’s continuous attacks. Additionally, during the game, Kawasaki Frontale lost their midfield core player Ryo Taishi, who was replaced by substitute right-back Van Velmsekkens, who received two yellow cards in quick succession and was sent off, resulting in Kawasaki losing both the game and their morale. Regarding this loss, Kawasaki coach Tatsuya Kuwahara said, “This is a match we wanted to win no matter what, I told them the same thing in the locker room, but in the game, we were easily attacked from behind. The result really matters, and I want to pursue results.”

Currently, in the J1 League standings, Kawasaki Frontale are temporarily ranked 15th with 9 wins, 10 draws, and 11 losses, leading the relegation zone by just five points, and theoretical safety from relegation is likely to be achieved only in the last two rounds. In this season’s 15 home league matches, Kawasaki Frontale have achieved 6 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses, conceding an average of 1.2 goals per game, indicating less-than-ideal defensive capabilities. However, the good news is that in the two home games they played in September, Kawasaki Frontale narrowly won against Kofu Windom and Kagoshima Sand Rock, which boosted the team’s morale for playing at home.

In terms of squad composition, Kawasaki Frontale will definitely miss the help of Brazilian center-back Jesiel and midfielder Ryo Taishi in this game. However, the good news is that veteran defender Yusuke Maruyama has recently recovered from injury and joined the rotation. Moreover, French center-forward Gomis, whom Kawasaki focused on bringing in last season, announced his early contract termination this week, and currently, Kawasaki’s foreign forward Allison is also performing poorly, leaving the forward line to rely on young player Shin Yamada to provide stable firepower.

The visiting Niigata Swan lost 2-3 at home to Kobe Victory Ship in the previous league round, having taken the lead with two goals within five minutes in the first half through flank-cross tactics, but the defense completely collapsed in the final stages of the game, causing them to miss out on points. It is worth noting that Niigata Swan have conceded goals after the 75th minute in three consecutive league rounds, indicating a decline in defensive stability. Regarding the team’s recent performance, Niigata coach Rikuzo Matahashi expressed in the post-match press conference, “I am truly proud of the players, they played a very good game, but the opponents still won dramatically, so I feel very disappointed.”

Currently, in the J1 League standings, Niigata Swan are temporarily ranked 12th with 10 wins, 9 draws, and 12 losses, still holding a seven-point advantage over the relegation zone, but with a negative goal difference. In this season’s 15 away league matches, Niigata Swan have achieved a decent record of 6 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, ranking ninth in the league for away points. However, in the last two away games, Niigata Swan lost to Machida Zelvia and Nagoya Grampus without scoring, and the only player who could score in recent away games was local striker Daito Tani, suggesting insufficient offensive firepower.

In terms of squad composition, Niigata Swan’s mainstay defensive midfielder Eiji Miyamoto will serve a suspension due to accumulated yellow cards in this game. This midfielder, who transferred from Fukushima FC at the beginning of this season, filled the gap left by Yosuke Takaoka’s departure well. Veteran Ryo Shimagata is expected to start in this round. In addition, Niigata Swan’s main left-side player Hayate Sogo is listed as injured, but young attacker Yohta Kojima resumed training this week.

In the past 20 encounters between the two teams, Kawasaki Frontale have achieved an excellent record of 11 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses. In this round of the league, Kawasaki Frontale, who are about to face the AFC Champions League Elite Tournament, naturally aim to quickly return to winning ways. Niigata Swan, who play attacking football, will rely on central defender Ryu James’ understanding of his former club Kawasaki to try to get out unscathed. What sparks will these two teams create?

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