Preview: FC Yokohama set for stable defense in J2 League derby against Fuchu MYFC

On June 15 at 5 pm, J2 League Matchday 20 sees Fuchu MYFC host FC Yokohama at their home ground.

In the previous J2 League fixture, Fuchu MYFC suffered a 0-1 defeat to Shizuoka rivals清水心跳 away from home. Despite maintaining a compact defense throughout the game, their attack relied solely on Yosuke Fujimura’s long-range efforts, as the disparity in quality proved difficult to overcome with sheer determination. Reflecting on the loss, Fuchu manager Daisuke Sato said, “We did what we needed to do well, but we’re not satisfied with the result. We’ve given our best, and we’ll continue to challenge ourselves.”

In the J2 League standings, Fuchu currently holds a record of 7 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses, placing them 12th and 7 points away from the promotion playoff zone. This season, their primary focus is likely to be on avoiding relegation rather than aiming for a top-six finish. At home this season, they have a record of 4 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses, securing them the 8th spot in terms of home performance. Over their last four league matches at home, Fuchu defeated strong opponents甲府 and 秋田, achieving 3 wins and 1 draw. In the Emperor’s Cup midweek, they comfortably beat relegation battlers 栃木SC 2-0 to progress, demonstrating solid attacking form.

Squad-wise, Fuchu MYFC will be without only veteran Takata Kajiwara, while right-back Yosuke Hasegawa returns from suspension, boosting their attacking options on the flanks.

The visiting FC Yokohama secured a narrow 1-0 victory over struggling side 德岛漩涡 in their last league fixture, with center-back Furuhashi Kojiro scoring a stunning goal just before halftime. Team manager Shota Fudosan praised his team’s recent form, acknowledging the consecutive wins as a collective effort and highlighting the development of their wing play, particularly down the left with Jinya Nakano and Furuhashi, which poses a significant threat to any opposition.

Currently, FC Yokohama sits third in the J2 League table with 11 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses, trailing the direct promotion spots by 2 points despite having played one more match. Their away record stands at 5 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, conceding an average of only 0.5 goals per game, indicating a strong defensive display. In the Emperor’s Cup, they advanced past J3 League’s 八户 after extra time with a reserve lineup, minimizing physical strain.

For this fixture, FC Yokohama will still be without Shinichi Arai, Rikiya Shinichi, and Nguyen Cong Phuong, while their newly signed striker, Malian forward Mari, remains ineligible for another month. They continue to rely on Takahashi Riki and Solomon for rotation upfront.

In their first encounter this season, FC Yokohama defeated Fuchu MYFC 2-0 at home, holding a psychological edge. In this round, Fuchu MYFC, as a surprise package in the league, will aim to bounce back at home and avoid a losing streak, while FC Yokohama, eager for promotion, will seek to secure all three points.

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