Nagoya Grampus vs Albirex Niigata

Nagoya Grampus’ faltering J1 League title pursuit continues at the Toyota Stadium against bottom-half Albirex Niigata.

Nagoya’s quest to hoist the J1 League title for the first time since 2010 has taken a series of blows, with the home team going winless in three of their last four league matches (D1, L2), including a 2-1 defeat at Kyoto in the previous round. Therefore, ‘Grampus’ can ill-afford another slip-up if they’re to maintain/reduce a five-point deficit on table-topping Vissel Kobe. An overwhelming 3-0 win over Urawa Reds in midweek Emperor’s Cup action might have lifted Nagoya’s spirits in the build-up to this seemingly winnable clash. Indeed, Kenta Hasegawa’s men have won their last four top-flight encounters against Niigata, including a come-from-behind 3-1 triumph in the revere fixture in April.

Meanwhile, Albirex Niigata’s comeback J1 League campaign has gone according to plan so far, with the visitors entering this round 11 points clear of rock-bottom ShonanBellmare. After mustering just four wins in their first 18 league games (D6, L8), they’ve claimed two victories in their last three outings (L1), most recently dispatching Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo 1-0 on the road. It was their first top-flight win away from home since February (D3, L4) and only their third clean sheet across ten J1 League travels this season. But the away goals have been at a premium for Niigata, as they’ve averaged a meager 0.9 per match.