🏏 Sun, 24 May 2026 14:00 JST
Mito Hollyhock
vs
Kawasaki Frontale
4-4-2 vs 4-2-3-1
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Match Preview
- This meeting between relegation-embroiled Mito (18th, 14 points) and Kawasaki (15th, 18 points), who are eyeing a mid-table climb, carries great significance for both. Mito have struggled with a draw and four losses in their last five and are just two points clear of bottom side JEF Chiba (12 points). Kawasaki have also been up and down with two wins and three losses in their last five and have been unable to build up points.
- In the Matchday 4 meeting at Kawasaki's home, the two sides drew 2-2. In that game Mito took a two-goal lead before being pegged back, so as hosts this time they will seek revenge as well as the valuable three points. For Kawasaki, it is a game in which they will want to reliably bank points away from home.
- In the match-up of Mito's 3-4-2-1 against Kawasaki's 4-2-3-1, the battle for midfield control will be key. Mito build their attack with former Japan international midfielder Atom Esaka (born 1992, formerly of Urawa) and former Shimizu captain Ryo Takeuchi, while Kawasaki keep their defensive balance with current Japan international Kento Tachibanada (nicknamed 'the Japanese Kante') and Yuki Yamamoto sitting deep. How far Tachibanada's running and strength in duels can shut down Mito's attack will draw attention.
- Leading Kawasaki's front line is Serbia-returned striker Lazar Romanic (a former Serbia U-19 international), whose weapons are getting in behind into space and his strength in the air. How far Mito's last line, the pairing of Brazilian CB Danilo (183cm, formerly of FC Imabari) and Kenta Itakura (181cm, a high-school championship winner with Yamanashi Gakuin), can cope is key. Also watch the movement of Yasuto Wakizaka and Ten Miyagi, who supply the through balls to Romanic.
- Mito's Brazilian right winger Mateus Leiria (179cm, formerly of Ventforet Kofu), whose strengths are breaks down the flank and crosses, faces a one-on-one with Kawasaki's left-back Sota Miura (formerly of Kofu, who earned his first senior Japan call-up from J2 in 2024) that will be a highlight. Among Kawasaki's attackers, Tatsuya Ito (who returned from Hamburger SV and recorded 13 goals with a Best XI selection in J1 in 2025) will be the biggest threat to Mito's defence.
- Mito have Marcinho (formerly of Kawasaki Frontale via SC Internacional) on the bench, with a cameo against his former club anticipated. The Brazilian left winger, who was an indispensable part of Kawasaki's attack and even recorded a hat-trick in 2022, could well look to score against his old side.