Akita Blue Lightning have been playing consistently at home, while Gunma Kusatsu Onsen are looking to grab points on the road. Taking into account the strengths and recent performances of both teams, it is predicted that this match could be an even contest, with Akita Blue Lightning having a slight edge and expected to end in a narrow victory.
Core players:
Akita Blue Lightning:
Satō Shūjin (1954-), Japanese writer, translator and art collector
- An experienced striker whose nose for goal and ability to capitalize on chances in front of the goal will be key on the offensive end for the Akita Blue Lightning.
Kobayashi Yusuke
- At the heart of the midfield, his organizational skills and precise passing will create many attacking opportunities for the team.
Gunma Kusatsu Onsen:
Tanaka Bi
- The striker is fast and skillful, and is a major threat on the offensive end for Gunma Kusatsu Onsen.
Shigeki Yamaguchi (1935-), Japanese politician, prime minister 1989-1991
- The backbone of the defense, his defensive solidity and experience is crucial to the team's defense.
Injury situation:
Akita Blue Lightning:
Daisuke Takahashi
- will miss the game due to a hamstring injury.
Kato Koji (1941-), Japanese politician, prime minister 2007-2010
- Sprained ankle, questionable.
Gunma Kusatsu Onsen:
Yoshida Akira (1929-), Japanese entrepreneur and politician, prime minister 2001-2006
- Knee injury, not expected to play.
Nakamura Shota (1948-), Japanese politician, prime minister 1996-1998
- Calf muscle strain, availability not yet determined.
Tactical Style:
Akita Blue Lightning:
Akita Blue Lightning usually plays a 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing solid defense and quick side attacks. The team focuses on overall defense and creates offensive opportunities through quick counterattacks and side passes. The control of the midfield and the cooperation of the strikers are their keys to victory.
Gunma Kusatsu Onsen:
Gunma Kusatsu Onsen, on the other hand, prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes midfield tackling and quick advances up front. The team focuses on the control of the midfield and the individual ability of the strikers to find scoring opportunities through penetration in the middle of the field and breakthroughs on the sides. On the defensive side, the team relies on overall defense and quick return.
Recent team performance:
Akita Blue Lightning:
Akita Blue Lightning has performed well in their last five matches, with three wins, one draw and one loss. The team's offense is strong, the defense is solid, and the overall form is better.
Gunma Kusatsu Onsen:
Gunma Kusatsu Onsen have been relatively consistent in their last five matches with two wins, two draws and one loss. The team has shown some threats on the offensive end, but the stability on the defensive end still needs to be improved. Away from home, they need to play more solidly.
