[Game Preview and Analysis] The Situation Before Omiya Ardija-Kyoto Sanga FC

Due to yesterday's results (most of our rivals played on saturday), we're now ONE mere point from arithmetic permanence in J1. We have 40 points, while Jubilo and Verdy have 37, and JEF 35. Sanga has two games left, the rivals only one. In between there are also Ardija and Albitrex with 39. With JEF stuck at 35, we're now sure we can't be directly relegated.

The only apocalyptic scenario sees us losing the next two games, while both Verdy and Jubilo win their last, and beat us on goal difference. At the moment Sanga and Jubilo have a -7, while Verdy is down to -10.

Well, we're almost there, but I'd wait before I uncork the champagne.

We'd be already safe without Nagoya's robbery last week, but we still have to earn it, and our last two games are not easy ones. Today at Omiya won't be easy, as they need two points to stay up, and surely they want to cheer up their fans, considering how next week they travel to Iwata (Jubilo).

Mizutani (in the picture) recovered, but Nakatani is out with a few ribs fractured (thanks, Nagoya!!). According to Yahoo Sport Japan, Coach Kato might opt for a three-players defense, with Sidiclei, Mizumoto and Teshima. I expect a very defensive 4-4-1-1, with Fernandinho and Yanagisawa on top, ready to counterattack while the team defends basically with 8 players. I won't mind seeing Morioka in our defense. Some experience in this game would really help.

Next week S-Pulse comes to pay us a visit at Nishikyogoku for the 34th and last game of another long season. How nice if, for the first time in four years, we could just sit, relax, and enjoy the game...