Cerezo Osaka is gearing up to face Nagoya Grampus in a crucial J1 League match this Sunday at Yodoko Sakura Stadium. The Cherry Blossoms are hoping to secure a top-three finish, while Nagoya Grampus is looking to bounce back from a recent defeat.
Cerezo Osaka is on a six-match unbeaten run in the J1 League, with their latest victory coming against Sagan Tosu. Brazilian striker Leo has been in fine form, leading the Golden Boot race with 14 goals in 20 league appearances. The Cherry Blossoms have been strong at home, earning 19 points from 10 matches.
On the other hand, Nagoya Grampus is currently on a five-game winless streak and will be looking to turn things around. They have performed better on the road this season, with nine away matches yielding 15 points. However, they will be missing winger Takuya Uchida due to suspension.
In terms of team news, Cerezo is expected to field a strong lineup with Leo leading the attack. Nagoya may see some changes in their attacking options, with Noriyoshi Sakai and Patric pushing for starts.
In terms of predictions, Cerezo Osaka is favored to win this match, with a possible scoreline of 1-0 in their favor. Their strong form and home advantage could prove to be decisive against a struggling Nagoya Grampus side.
Overall, this match promises to be an exciting encounter between two competitive teams vying for crucial points in the J1 League standings. Fans can expect an intense battle on the field as both sides look to secure a positive result.