J.League Preview: Sapporo’s Injured Players Return, Kobe Vissel Boasts Stellar Attack and Defense

On July 13 at 1 PM, the 23rd round of the J.League will see Sapporo Consadole hosting the reigning champions, Kobe Vissel, at the Sapporo Dome.

In last weekend’s 22nd round of the J.League, Sapporo Consadole suffered a 0-2 away defeat against Kashima Antlers. The team’s starting center forward, Takehiro Tomiyasu, performed poorly in the match, repeatedly missing opportunities in front of goal which prevented the score from being rewritten. After Kashima Antlers made personnel adjustments in the second half, they grew stronger and ultimately, the eager-to-rebound Sapporo conceded on the road, recording 14 shots throughout the game but failing to find the net. Following the match with Kashima Antlers, Sapporo head coach Petkovic likened his opponents’ center forward, Daichi Kamada, to Messi and Maradona, but believed that his own team lacked such special players, hence their inability to secure points in tough matches.

Currently on the J.League standings, Sapporo Consadole temporarily ranks last with 2 wins, 5 draws, and 15 losses, a 12-point gap from the safety zone making it highly likely that this Northern Army will remain at the bottom for the duration of autumn. However, both of Sapporo Consadole’s victories this season have been achieved at home, demonstrating a significant improvement in point-hunting efficiency upon returning to the Sapporo Dome. In the midweek third round of the Emperor’s Cup, Sapporo Consadole advanced successfully by defeating Yamagata Sanuki 6-3 with the help of its substitute squad, regaining some offensive momentum. Young players Daisuke Okada and Katsuyuki Tanaka scored braces in the match, and are expected to start together in this round’s league game.

In terms of squad, Sapporo Consadole will continue to be without the assistance of several key players including Supachok Sarachart, Yuki Miyazawa, Kazuki Fukai, Ken Hee Kim, and Jun Koyanagi in this match. Additionally, attacking midfielder Yoshiaki Komai will sit out due to accumulated yellow cards. However, this week, Sapporo Consadole’s main players Yuki Kondo, Ryuya Komatsu, Yuya Asano, and Ryohei Yamasaki have all returned to normal training and are hopeful of making a comeback in this match.

The visiting Kobe Vissel won 3-1 against Hiroshima Sanfrecce in the previous league match, thanks to the outstanding performance of Yuya Osako, continuing their impressive point-gathering form in the league. In the match against Hiroshima Sanfrecce, Kobe Vissel recovered their excellent offensive goal-scoring ability from last season, with role players Riku Matsuda and Hotaru Yamaguchi also contributing goals. In the midweek Emperor’s Cup match, Kobe Vissel defeated J2 League team Tokushima Vortis 2-0 away with their substitute squad, advancing successfully. Although starting attacker Taiki Matsuura missed a penalty before halftime, he redeemed himself with a header in the second half, maintaining an active performance.

Currently on the J.League standings, Kobe Vissel is temporarily ranked fourth with 12 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses, just one point behind the top three teams, and holds a significant advantage in goal difference. A win in this round could propel them into the championship contention area. In this season’s 11 away league games, Kobe Vissel has recorded 7 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, with an average of fewer than 0.8 goals conceded per game, demonstrating a robust defense. They have kept clean sheets against strong opponents like Nagoya Grampus and Yokohama F. Marinos.

In terms of squad, Kobe Vissel will continue to miss the help of midfielder Mikito Hasegawa in this match. Moreover, the team’s starting right-back, Takuto Onishi, announced an 8-10 week injury layoff this week, with Ryo Hatsuse currently filling in. In the transfer market, Kobe Vissel has the potential to reinforce with a high-profile foreign player during the mid-season. Media reports suggest that James Rodriguez may move to the J.League, with Kobe being a possible destination.

In the previous 20 encounters between the two teams, Kobe Vissel has recorded an outstanding record of 14 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses. In this round of the league, the struggling Sapporo Consadole will use their home advantage to fight back. Can the title-contending Kobe Vissel, who are playing away but eager for victory, smoothly take all three points?

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