Akita's direct deliveries meet Imabari's recovery game, Sendai seek the next attack after Niigata's clearances, and Tosu face an organised counterattacking opponent. These are three different contests over what follows the first contact. The recent evidence points to specific receiving and delivery roles rather than a common form-table story.
Akita have scored through a free-kick header and a long-throw sequence, while Imabari have recently conceded to aerial service and direct penetration. Edigar's receiving and Kajiura's forward movement provide an attacking chain in the other direction. Their latest appearances support those working roles; no new absence or goalkeeper downgrade is needed. As direct play creates further deliveries and second balls, I'm siding with goals in Akita versus Imabari.
Sendai's Nakajima and Umeki have connected crosses, direct supply and runners, with Takeda adding restart delivery. Ishii and Nakajima had already returned before the latest game, and Onishi already completed Niigata's win over Tosu; neither is a fresh return here. Niigata's deep defending leaves Sendai a chance to collect clearances and begin another attack. I'm siding with Sendai, with a level finish covered by the attached selection.
Tosu's possession recently stalled against Niigata's organised block. Hachinohe have a demonstrated Takayoshi-to-Owie outlet to turn defending into a forward move. Tosu's officially reported injuries reduce rotation depth, with those players already outside the latest starting and substitution record. As Tosu work through the block, that outlet gives Hachinohe a way to keep the contest close. I'm siding with Hachinohe to stay within a narrow margin.
