Intro
With almost nothing but pride on the line, FC Ryukyu will square off against Ehime FC this weekend. Neither team can advance much higher than 2 spots in the table if they win their final 2 matches and both should probably focus on getting some match day experience for those players in the reserve that have rarely featured all season. But who knows? This is the J2, and anything could happen out there tomorrow.
Weather Forecast
Looks like great weather for those that are traveling to Matsuyama City tomorrow.
Last Meeting: Match Day 3 3/10/2019 FC Ryukyu 2-0 Ehime FC
Koji Suzuki scored his 5th goal of the season while Uejo added his second goal in as many games. FC Ryukyu dominated the game and won 2-0 on a blustery, overcast day in March at the Tapista.
Ehime FC
Ehime FC look very similar to FC Ryukyu at times. They can have some defensive lapses and have had trouble finishing in front of goal. While it is true that some of their opportunities the past 5 weeks were unlucky, many of their shots were right at the opposing goal keeper. Ehime have been shut-out in 4 of their last 5 matches while conceding several set pieces along the way. There was also the strange phenomenon during these games where their goal keeper, Okamoto, would be out of position and invite the super long shots from just behind, or inside, the half way line. In fact, Okamoto conceded 2 goals from long distance against Yamagata when you would assume that one was already one too many. There hasn’t been anymore of these shots against Ehime recently and I can only assume that the coaching staff addressed this issue on the training ground.
Ehime do not have many standout players on the roster but there are two of note. First, DF #39, Shimokawa can provide some nice service to the attacking players from his LWB position. On the receiving end is usually, MF #7 Kondo, who has some very nice burst and pace to get on the end of passes/crosses. Other than that, no one really jumped off the screen as someone who FC Ryukyu should be concerned with tomorrow.
FC Ryukyu
It has been quite a run-in to end the season for FC Ryukyu where they have some traded their road struggles for struggles at home. FC Ryukyu were unable to win, or draw, any of their three remaining home games this season. A bit strange considering this was the side that set the J League home-undefeated record this season. But there is no time to dwell on the past as FC Ryukyu finish the 2019 campaign with road games against Ehime and Kofu, and are in really good form on the road at the moment.
In fact, FC Ryukyu are undefeated in their last 5 road games with wins over Tochigi, Yamaguchi, Fukuoka and added draws against Machida and Kanazawa. These are all sides in and around FC Ryukyu in the table and therefore lends some hope that FC Ryukyu will be able to secure one more win before the season ends against a similar side in Ehime.
While a win would be great, the true goal would be to get some playing time for the younger players in the reserves. There are 2 meaningless games remaining this season. And I say meaningless as FC Ryukyu face neither relegation nor promotion in 2019. They can only advance 2 spots higher in the table and really need to see what they have in the squad for the 2020 season. 10/15/20 minute “run-outs” will not allow for an accurate assessment of these players talents as they may see very little of the ball during these appearances. It is better to give them 60-75 minute appearances to see what they can do. As much as I’d like a win, I’d rather see these players develop thus providing some rudder steer to the management prior to the upcoming transfer window this off-season.
Injuries
FC Ryukyu: As noted from the past weeks, FC Ryukyu will be without Carvajal, Torikai and Shinji Ono. Kawai was carted off last match so I have no idea if he is healthy enough for this match.
Ehime FC: Ehime have been without Yoshida Makito since August and he had chipped in 3 goals and 1 assist prior to his injury. More importantly, Ehime will be without the services of their starting RWB, Naganuma, who is on U-22 duty for the Japan National Team. Naganuma has provided 5 assists this season so this should further hinder the Ehime attack tomorrow.
Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu
Much like Tochigi and Yamaguchi, there is no secret to beating sides around you, and below you, in the table.
1. Finish in front of goal. Ehime has an issue with this and has been shut-out in nearly half (19) of their games this season. A one goal lead maybe enough but a 2-goal lead could put it out of reach. Though Ehime have scored 2 goals or more on the same number of occasions this season. Their recent form is more telling I believe.
2. Work hard for set pieces. Ehime struggles defending set pieces and are prone to giving up the occasional PK with questionable defending. Press the back line and work the outside channels with speed to get in behind their defense.
Match Day 41 Prediction
2-2 Draw. This could be an emotional day for Ehime as it is their last home game of the season against an evenly matched opponent. At least their will be goals.
MATCH DAY 41 VIEWING PARTIES IN OKINAWA
Match Day 41 Information
http://www.ehimefc.com/game/game1813.html. Lots of good information, and in English as well, for the traveling fans. Stadium access, parking, taxi/bus and a lot more. Quite impressive I must say.
Conclusion
We are nearly done with the 2019 season and it has been an exciting, up and down season for FC Ryukyu with very high highs, and very low lows. As previously stated, this match represents FC Ryukyu’s best chance at securing one more win this season but is also an opportunity for them to sacrifice points for match day experience for their reserves. In either case, I will be looking forward to the match tomorrow like many of you so good luck, and I’ll see you next week in Kofu.
ryukyuarmy.com 