Toyama and Sendai both have ways to reach a receiver beyond the first defensive contest. Their recent attacks have continued after equalizers and through substitutions. In Kofu's meeting with Niigata, the central issue is whether a regained ball becomes a supported escape or another spell of defending.
Toyama can work through Matsuoka's inward runs and Tanimoto's delivery, while Sendai can use a target forward with Iwabuchi or Nakajima arriving around him. Ishii's cross for Iwabuchi and Toyama's Kagawa–Takenaka–Tsuboi sequence show actual receiving and finishing routes. These attacks test the next defender after the initial duel, where both teams have recently conceded.
Okamoto and Sendai defender Moraes both left the previous match injured; they remain concerns rather than confirmed absentees. Okamoto also supplies Toyama's first forward pass, so his role matters at both ends. The recent starter and substitute groups still provide several attacking options. I expect the opening contest to develop into further chances after the first goal, which is why I'm siding with more goals in Toyama against Sendai.
Kofu have struggled to support Naito after winning possession, allowing opponents to return repeatedly. Niigata have a demonstrated alternative to prolonged possession: Kato released Wakatsuki, whose delivery supplied Iuri against Toyama. That combination can test the handover between Kofu's outside defender and central cover.
Kofu must replace the suspended Endo, who played their previous match. Niigata forward Moraes was injured in that round, but Iuri's contribution came after his departure; Gomes also returned as a late crossing option. I expect Niigata to keep finding the next attack through those retained connections. That's why I'm siding with Albirex Niigata, with a level finish returning that part of the selection.
