On August 16th at 6:30 PM, Sapporo Consadole will host Sagan Tosu in the 27th round of the J.League.
Sapporo Consadole narrowly avoided defeat in the last round of the J.League, drawing 2-2 with Fukuoka Hornets at home. Despite taking the lead through Suzuki Musashi’s penalty, they almost lost when Kamekava Ryoshi nearly scored a spectacular goal in stoppage time. Fortunately, young Tanaka Katsuyuki salvaged a point with a stunning strike in the final moments. Reflecting on the disappointing match, Sapporo coach Petkovic said: “It was a game we needed to get three points from, but we settled for a draw. In the current situation, we can’t be satisfied with a draw, to be more precise, we lost two points.”
Currently, Sapporo Consadole sits at the bottom of the J.League table with 3 wins, 7 draws, and 16 losses. The team is 12 points away from escaping the relegation zone, with a goal difference of -27, placing them in a difficult situation in the battle for survival. However, they have managed to secure 10 points from 13 home games this season, demonstrating an improved performance compared to their away record. In their last two home matches, Sapporo Consadole managed to draw against Vissel Kobe and Fukuoka Hornets, demonstrating a slight increase in confidence.
In terms of the squad, Sapporo Consadole’s Thai attacker, Supachok, has resumed training with the team and is expected to be included in the matchday squad. However, of the summer signings, only striker Jordi Sanchez and defender Park Min-kyu were included in the lineup for the last game. Winger Kane and striker Bakayoko are yet to make their debuts, adding to the pressure on the team as they face a perilous fight against relegation.
Sagan Tosu, on the other hand, fought back to draw 1-1 with strong contender Urawa Red Diamonds last round. Despite being under siege, they forced a red card from captain Nishikawa Shusaku thanks to the efforts of forward Marcelo and new signing Silva. Marcelo subsequently scored the equaliser from the penalty spot, securing a point for the team in a tough home match. New coach, Kiguchi Kiminari, also earned his first points as manager. “Our goal today was to win,” said Kiguchi in the post-match interview. “We wanted to get two more points, and we need to think about how we can unite as a team. Today’s match gives me hope for the future.”
Currently, Sagan Tosu sits in 19th place in the J.League table with 7 wins, 3 draws, and 16 losses, placing them 8 points ahead of their opponents, Sapporo Consadole, and 4 points behind safety. They also lack any advantage in terms of goal difference. Their away record has been less impressive, with only 3 wins, 1 draw, and 8 losses in 12 matches this season. However, they managed to upset Yokohama F. Marinos and Albirex Niigata, both attacking teams, in July, providing them with confidence ahead of their away trip to Sapporo Consadole, another attacking side.
In terms of the squad, Sagan Tosu has lost four key players in the off-season transfer window, including Kikuchi Taichi, Yokoyama Ayumu, Naganuma Yoichi, and Tezuka Kohei. They have signed Silva and Kubo Fujichiro to bolster their wing options, while new coach Kiguchi Kiminari has promoted two U18 players, Hino Shota and Sakaiya Kousuke, to the starting lineup, hoping to inject youthfulness into the team. Additionally, Sagan Tosu’s second goalkeeper, Arnau, has reported a groin injury and is expected to be out until the end of the season.
In their previous 20 encounters, Sapporo Consadole holds the psychological advantage, having won 9, drawn 7, and lost 4. This match is undoubtedly a crucial battle for survival, and both teams face a demanding schedule with limited rest time. As both teams fight for their place in the league, what kind of spark will be ignited under such pressure?
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