Intro
FC Ryukyu head North to Niigata this Sunday for their last of 5 consecutive short week fixtures. They will get a much needed break following this match as they do not play again until the following Saturday when they host Montedio Yamagata. FC Ryukyu are coming off a very spirited 2-2 draw against Tochigi SC in the mid-week and I for one think that energy will propel them to another favorable result this round. Make no mistake though, FC Ryukyu were blown away 4-0 the last time they visited the Big Swan Stadium but that was last year and as I said, I think things will be different this time.
- Weather Forecast
- Match Day 13 Recap: FC Ryukyu
- Match Day 13 Recap: Albirex Niigata
- Team Previews & Injury Reports
- Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu
- Match Day Prediction
- Round 14 in J2
- Conclusion
1. Weather Forecast
Looks to be a comfortable evening in Niigata for this one.
2. Match Day 13 Recap: FC Ryukyu
3. Match Day 13 Recap: Albirex Niigata
4. Team Previews & Injury Reports
FC Ryukyu. Ryukyu have only lost once in their last 7 games as they continue to grind out results. This side can generate loads of possession but are having a hard time finding the back of the net. In fact, FC Ryukyu have yet to score more than two goals in any single match this year.
Against Tochigi SC in the mid-week, FC Ryukyu had 71% possession but very few shots until late in the second half. It was after the introduction of Koizumi, Ikeda and Koya that the attack started moving forward and creating some opportunities. While I’ll always enjoy seeing Ryukyu in possession, it is frustrating watching attacks fizzle out or lead to set pieces that go nowhere. It is a bit like watching your NFL team get into the Red Zone but only kick Field Goals instead of scoring Touchdowns.
Seeing how this is the last short week fixture, at least for a little while, it is safe to assume that we will see roughly the same lineup from the mid-week against Tochigi with some minor tweaks. For all we know, Higuchi’s game plan could consist of letting our more creative players rest for the better part of the match while hoping to score a goal, and then introduce Ikeda, Koya, Koizumi, and Uehara later in an attempt to overwhelm the opposition in the last 30 minutes of the match. Maybe this is his way of conserving energy for some of our better players for later in the season, or at least until Motegi, Shinji and Koki return.
FC Ryukyu Injuries & Suspensions. No new developments as far as new injuries to the side or recoveries for our CV-19 players. However, FC Ryukyu have 9 members of their squad on the mend.
Albirex Niigata. Niigata started out on fire this year by scoring 13 goals in their first 5 games but have since cooled off with only scoring 7 goals in their last 8 matches. Much of this could be attributed to the loss of some of their key players but Arata Watanabe looks in fine form these days.
While the goals may have dried up for Niigata, they are still managing to earn results. Niigata haven’t lost but once in their last 10 games and their only home loss this year occurred at the beginning of last month. Over their last 5 games, Niigata have drawn with Tochigi, Omiya, and Kyoto while losing to Okayama from a late goal and defeated Renofa at home despite being reduced to 10 men.
This may not be the most inspiring review of an opponent for FC Ryukyu but there wasn’t much in any of the matches I reviewed for Niigata that really stood out. They do some things well that will surely trouble the FC Ryukyu back line, and they create their fare share of chances on goal. They don’t defend any worse than FC Ryukyu do and they will probably hover around the mid-table until the return of some of their star players. They seem ripe for the picking but I’ve said this before about Kofu and we all know how that one turned out.
Albirex Niigata Injuries & Suspensions. Niigata are likely to be missing two of their top scorers this weekend as Fabio is dealing with a ligament injury to his right foot and Frank Romero is listed with a foot injury. Romero has no timetable for return or length of injury listed so there is a possibility he is healthy enough to play on Sunday. They will also be without MF Gonzalez who is serving a suspension for his yellow card accumulation.
5. Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu
The Scale: 5- An almost certainty it will occur 4-Fairly-Certain it will happen 3-Somewhat Certain it could happen 2-Very Unlikely that it happens 1- Requires a Miracle for it to happen
1. Weather the early storm from Niigata. Likelihood 3. Niigata are a very aggressive team at home and chances are they will pepper the Ryukyu net with several shots in the first half. FC Ryukyu may need to approach this match much like they did against Iwata where they had little possession but used the counter attack very effectively.
2. Match the runs of the Niigata attackers. Likelihood 2. Against Tochigi, Ryukyu failed to match the runs of the Tochigi players which led directly to both of their goals. The second was the most egregious as Yong Thae was left wide open for the header that put Tochigi ahead with only a few minutes to play. It is unlikely that the full backs get back in time to support the onslaught so it is imperative that Uesato, and whatever combination we have at CB, organize themselves and communicate assignments on the counter.
6. Match Day Prediction
This could very well be another ugly match to watch that has a few moments of pulsating action. Niigata still has plenty of firepower remaining despite the loss of Fabio and possibly Frank Romero. I feel that a 1-1 draw is in the offering this weekend.
7. Round 14 in J2
Plenty of dispersed fixture kickoff times this weekend to suit your fancy. While no single match up stands out, the (10) Jubilo Iwata v (12) Zweigen Kanazawa looks like it could be a good one. One note, the Ehime v Omiya game is scheduled for Saturday evening at 1900 JST on the J-League website and DAZN.
8. Conclusion
FC Ryukyu cannot afford to start out sluggish in this match as Niigata could easily jump out to an insurmountable lead before the break. It is perfectly fine for FC Ryukyu to not dominate the possession but they cannot be caught napping by the Niigata attack. Niigata has several key injuries and suspensions which has created a favorable position for FC Ryukyu if they can exploit it.
Let’s also hope the boys aren’t delayed during their return leg as there is a tropical storm/typhoon forming off the southwestern coast of Okinawa as we speak.
Are they ready? Are we ready? Are you ready?
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