Urawa Red Diamonds have not won a single game in their last 4 matches after a 1-2 loss against Sanfrecce Hiroshima last week, and the team has only scored 1 goal in this decline. One of the reasons for the loss is the team's failure to keep the ball in front of the goal when they are in the lead, as well as their inability to create many scoring chances in the attack.
Nagoya Whales have a very organized defense and they managed to stop Red Diamonds from scoring in their latest matchup in the Emperor Cup, which they won 3-0. I think Tomoaki Okubo's ability to receive his teammates' passes in front of the goal will be the key to Red Diamond's victory.
The Whale are only two points away from the top of the table after defeating Kashima Antlers 1-0 last weekend. The team's strength is that they are very organized at the back, and they are able to make quick counter-attacks when they regain possession of the ball. The attacking duo of Kasper Zenka and Kensuke Nagai are even better, but unfortunately, Kasper Zenka will not be able to play in this match due to his match against his parent club, Red Diamonds.
In this match, the midfield will be the main battlefield, and Takuya Uchida's ability to steal the ball and launch attacks with simple transmissions will be the key to the Whale's success.
