FOOTPICKS’ 2024 J1 League Predicted Tables #1

Previous champions Urawa or Hiroshima could capture long-awaited glory

1: Sanfrecce Hiroshima
2: Urawa Reds
3: Vissel Kobe
4: Kawasaki Frontale
5: Yokohama F. Marinos
6: Cerezo Osaka
7: FC Tokyo
8: Gamba Osaka
9: Nagoya Grampus 
10: FC Machida Zelvia
11: Kashima Antlers
12: Avispa Fukuoka
13: Albirex Niigata
14: Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
15: Sagan Tosu
16: Kyoto Sanga FC
17: Kashiwa Reysol
18: Júbilo Iwata
19: Shonan Bellmare
20: Tokyo Verdy

With Vissel Kobe’s first title triumph last year breaking Kawasaki Frontale and Yokohama F. Marinos’ spell of dominance, the J.League has once again entered into an era with several different challengers. That means there could be another first-time winners this season, although I can’t think of a team that necessarily fits the bill. If that is the case, then a team with a previous record of success might seal glory for the first time in several years. Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Urawa Reds are two such candidates.

Hiroshima, who have been battling at the top of the table in recent seasons, finishing third in each of the past two campaigns, have maintained their solid goalkeeper and back three and now have the talent to solve their lack of goalscoring ability. Yuki Ohashi, acquired from Shonan Bellmare, will be key for Hiroshima to their first championship in nine years.

Their rivals Urawa have the best backline in the league and have done well to strengthen their attacking line-up. Both have made moves to improve their weaknesses and are favourites to win the championship, but if continuity is key then Hiroshima may just about have the edge as this is Michael Skibbe’s third season, while Urawa embark on a fresh life under the new manager Per-Mathias Høgmo.

Reigning champions Kobe have increased their strength in depth by bringing in talented players in every position. However, with other teams becoming more wary of them this season, I don’t expect them to produce the same results as last year. The team’s individual strengths are outstanding and they will certainly be in contention for the top positions, but I have doubts about their ability to win back-to-back championships.

Kawasaki Frontale and Yokohama F. Marinos will have a hard schedule from the start of the season, and the key will be how well they survive their early tricky battles. If they stumble out of the gate, it will be difficult for them to turn things around. The former could move up or down the table depending on the performance of their new foreign players, and the latter on the skill of their new coach. Amongst the promoted sides, FC Machida Zelvia could have a breakout year, with them in possession of a J1-calibre squad thanks to aggressive reinforcements. Júbilo Iwata and Tokyo Verdy will have a tough fight ahead of them, though. Verdy, in particular, has a solid defence, but a lack of talent up front is a concern.

(by Yuhei Harayama)

Significantly-strengthened Kobe could lead the title race again

1: Vissel Kobe 
2: Kawasaki Frontale 
3: Sanfrecce Hiroshima
4: Urawa Reds
5: Yokohama F. Marinos
6: FC Machida Zelvia 
7: Kashima Antlers 
8: Nagoya Grampus
9: FC Tokyo
10: Cerezo Osaka
11: Gamba Osaka
12: Avispa Fukuoka
13: Albirex Niigata
14: Kyoto Sanga FC
15: Kashiwa Reysol
16: Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
17: Sagan Tosu
18: Shonan Bellmare
19: Júbilo Iwata
20: Tokyo Verdy

Vissel Kobe, who claimed their first league championship in their 29th year of existence last year, are my favourites to lift the trophy again this season. The team has retained the mainstays of last year’s team, as well as strengthening its weak areas by adding high-level players in each position. The defence line has been enriched with centre-back Ryuho Kikuchi returning from long term absence and Takuya Iwanami and full-back Rikuto Hirose being added, while in midfield Yosuke Ideguchi will be joined by Mitsuki Saito, who will be available again after the summer.

Furthermore, Taisei Miyashiro was acquired from Kawasaki Frontale to add to the powerful front line, one of Kobe’s greatest strengths. As well as providing back-up for Yuya Osako, Miyashiro can also play on the wing and even as an attacking midfielder and should play a key part in the season’s success.

Kawasaki Frontale and Sanfrecce Hiroshima will be the two teams aiming to stop Kobe from claiming back-to-back championships. Kawasaki has lost some key players this season, but their team style, honed in the eighth year of the Oniki regime, has remained unchanged. They have brought in a number of talented players who look like they will fit in well at Kawasaki, including Japan international full-back Sota Miura, centre-forward Erison and midfielder Yuki Yamamoto. Hiroshima, on the other hand, like Kobe, have retained their mainstay players while also acquiring striker Yuki Ohashi to improve their goal-scoring ability.

Urawa Reds and Yokohama F. Marinos both have attractive squads, but it is extremely difficult for a foreign coach to win the title in his first year in the J.League. Looking back in history, only the Brazilian managers of Kashima Antlers, who established an era with clear philosophy, have succeeded in that regard.

Turning to fresh teams, promoted FC Machida Zelvia may suddenly find themselves in the top half of the table. This season, under the leadership of manager Go Kuroda assisted by Kim Myung Hwi, the team has added several experienced players, including former Japan international goalkeeper Kosei Tani and Gen Shoji, and South Korean national team player Na Sang Ho. If this squad plays simple, strong football, they should be able to stay away from the race for survival.

(by Yosuke Ikushima)