Saturday Preview: Nagoya Grampus Finds Balance, Jubilo Iwata Seeks Three Points to Escape Relegation Zone

On September 28 at 3 PM, in the 32nd round of the J1 League, Nagoya Grampus will host their Tokai Derby rivals, Jubilo Iwata, at the Toyota Stadium.

In the 31st round of the J1 League on September 22, Nagoya Grampus defeated Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 at home. The team’s main striker, Kengo Nakamura, was active with a goal and an assist, while Ryoki Arakawa, who has been playing as a forward from midfield, also scored. Currently, Nagoya is experiencing a resurgence in attack. After the match, Nagoya coach Masatada Ishii said in an interview, “I’m very happy we won today at home. I believe we truly demonstrated excellent teamwork. Kengo Nakamura’s relaxed shooting this season naturally leads to good results.”

Currently, in the J1 League standings, Nagoya Grampus is temporarily in 8th place with 13 wins, 4 draws, and 14 losses, 15 points behind the top three. Chasing points this season is theoretically possible. In this season’s 16 home league matches, Nagoya Grampus has achieved a solid record of 7 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, but their home defense has declined compared to last season, conceding an average of one goal per game. However, in their last two home games, Nagoya Grampus kept clean sheets against Albirex Niigata and Kawasaki Frontale, winning both matches easily, suggesting they have rediscovered their balance between attack and defense.

In terms of squad, Nagoya Grampus will be without center-forward Yuya Yamashita and left-back Masashi Kano for this match, both likely out for the rest of the season due to leg injuries. Additionally, before this match, many Japanese media praised Nagoya Grampus’ defensive midfielder Keiya Hirase, believing he can initiate goals and provide excellent through balls.

The visiting team, Jubilo Iwata, drew 0-0 at home against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo last weekend. They had more offensive opportunities in the game, but their opponents’ goalkeeper, Takumi Yokota, made several saves, preventing Iwata from scoring even until the final seconds. Regarding the team’s recent struggles in the relegation zone, Iwata’s coach said in a press conference, “I think not conceding in two consecutive games shows improvement. On the other hand, we didn’t score either. I believe we still have some issues in creating chances. When we win the ball, our players receive it in front of the opponent, but we don’t aim for spaces behind them. Our attackers could have done more.”

Currently, in the J1 League standings, Jubilo Iwata is temporarily in 18th place with 8 wins, 8 draws, and 14 losses, needing just one point to leave the relegation zone. If they win this round, there’s a chance to rise to 16th place. However, in this season’s 15 away league matches, Jubilo Iwata has only managed 3 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses, conceding over two goals per game, making their defense almost non-existent. However, in their last away match, Jubilo Iwata pulled off a surprise win against relegation rivals Omiya Ardija, keeping a clean sheet, which gives them confidence for this away game.

In terms of squad, Jubilo Iwata only has defender Riku Morikawa unavailable for this match, with all lines otherwise intact. Notably, this season’s main striker, Germain, has scored 15 goals in the league, leading the domestic scorers’ list. Despite transfer rumors mid-season, he announced his intention to stay and help avoid relegation, significantly boosting the team’s morale.

In the previous 20 encounters between the two teams, Nagoya Grampus has dominated with 15 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. In this round of the league, Nagoya Grampus will continue to leverage their home advantage to extend their winning streak, while Jubilo Iwata, facing relegation troubles, will also be highly motivated. What sparks will these two teams ignite?

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