Kobe Victory Ship, the pride of Japanese soccer, is leading the way in the AFC Champions League this year. Playing at home, they beat FC Gwangju cleanly with a score of 2-0, and a record of 3 wins and 1 draw in the four rounds of the group stage highlights their valor and fearlessness.
I'm betting that Miyashiro Daisuke will continue to be Victory Ship's attacking wonderkid, as he has already scored four goals in the first three rounds of the AFC Champions League, proving to be a threat. The addition of the versatile striker is undoubtedly one of their most successful reinforcements this year. Against the Mid Coast Mariners' defense, he will be their biggest concern.
Even if the Nakanishi sailors succeed in limiting Miyashiro Daisho, Victory Boat has a host of attacking goodies such as Isamu Osako, Kaji Muto, and Daiki Sasaki, who are an ever-present threat. It seems that no matter what position they are in, Victory Boat makes people feel uneasy.
I must say that this year's performance of the AFC Elite has been a real disappointment, failing to live up to expectations in both the regular season and the playoffs, and collecting just one point in four rounds of divisional play, which is shocking.
I think the departure of the Mariners' title-winning players has dealt a considerable blow to the team, which is one of the reasons for their poor performance. Experience tells me that it's really hard for teams to continue to perform at a high level after losing core players.
I firmly believe that Gouaux and Emundson will be troublemakers for the Mariners and both have the ability to score goals. Gouaux in particular has the speed and impact to make him a threat to be reckoned with. And Mikhil Duka's outstanding performance in helping the Mariners win the AFC Asian Association Championship has added to the confidence in him. He has already contributed two goals and his play on the right side is something to look forward to.
Goals seem inevitable in this matchup, but the balance of victory seems to favor Kobe Victory. With their home field advantage, they are expected to beat the Nakanishi Mariners with ease.
