Tokyo Verdy play host to Cerezo Osaka looking for the win that will solidify their place in the top half of the J1 League standings.
While the home side occupy 10th position, the visitors are in fifth, just three points adrift of second-placed Kashima Antlers.
Match preview
For a team that has lost just three times since the middle of March, Tokyo Verdy would have expected to be sitting far higher up the table than 10th spot.
However, eight draws were posted during an 11-match period, undermining their efforts to mount a charge for the continental qualification places.
With Verdy only earning promotion through the second-tier playoffs in 2023, that would have come as a surprise, but Hiroshi Jofuku will be satisfied with his team's efforts over the past five weeks.
Although the aforementioned three defeats have come during that time, Verdy have also collected four wins from the other fixtures, one of which came versus last season's champions Vissel Kobe.
Jofuku's side have also not lost a league game at the Ajinomoto Stadium since February, highlighting Cerezo Osaka will have to battle hard to claim something from this contest.
That said, the visitors head into this fixture on a seven-game unbeaten run in the J1 League, with that being put together directly after a six-match winless streak.
A total of four wins and three draws have been posted during that time, keeping Akio Kogiku and his squad interested with regards to the title.
While they may still be eight points adrift of leaders Machida Zelvia, a head of steam is being built ahead of hosting them on August 7.
Cerezo Osaka have gone six matches without scoring more than twice in a game and just two clean sheets have been recorded in the aforementioned seven fixtures without defeat.
Team News
Tokyo Verdy have doubts over Yuto Tsunashima after the midfielder needed to be withdrawn during the latter stages against Yokohama F. Marinos on June 29.
Tomoya Miki would likely deputise in his place if required, while Yudai Kimura and Itsuki Someno are both options to come into the attack having been introduced before the hour mark last time out.
Barring any injury issues, Kogiku is likely to select the same Cerezo Osaka starting lineup from their victory over Nagoya Grampus.
Leo Ceara scored his 15th goal of the season in that contest, with Lucas Fernandes chipping in with his ninth contribution in the final third.
Tokyo Verdy possible starting lineup:
Vidotto; Taniguchi, Chida, Hayashi; Inami, Tsunashima, Saito, Onaga; F. Yamada, Yanami; G. Yamada
Cerezo Osaka possible starting lineup:
Kim; Okuda, Toriumi, Nishio, Funaki; Fernandes, Okuno, Tanaka, Capixaba; Uejo, Leo Ceara
We say: Tokyo Verdy 2-1 Cerezo Osaka
Although the visitors hold the superior defensive record and have generally been more consistent, Tokyo Verdy will fancy their chances of prevailing from this contest. While they may not necessarily have the most possession, we are backing the hosts to come through this encounter by the odd goal in three.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
