Sanfrecce Hiroshima are the Meiji Yasuda J1 League’s last remaining undefeated team and they’ll put that unblemished mark on the line Monday at 15:00 JST when they take on Nagoya Grampus in a match that will be shown live on JLeague.co and broadcasters around the world.
Sanfrecce are quite extraordinarily sitting in fourth place despite making it through 11 matches without a loss. That's because while Hiroshima are yet to suffer defeat, seven of those 11 results have been draws.
Nevertheless, few clubs will fancy their chances against a Viola side that boast an extraordinarily productive attack and sturdy defense. Striker Yuki Ohashi continues to deliver, with his seven goals on the season ranking third in J1, but equally remarkable is that nine other players have joined him in the scoring chart. Manager Michael Skibbe's team is dynamic going forward but is also matched by a rearguard that has surrendered just eight goals so far this season.
It won't be an easy challenge in Hiroshima for Grampus, that much is for sure, but Nagoya are a team impressive in their own right. While Vissel Kobe managed to defeat them 2-0 last time out, Grampus have demonstrated they have what it takes to knock off top sides, with a 2-1 win over Cerezo Osaka standing as proof of that fact.
This is a match that will be a major challenge for both teams, with Nagoya looking to break back into the wins column after two straight losses and Sanfrecce aiming to close the gap with Cerezo, Vissel, and FC Machida Zelvia at the top of the table.
Who will come out on top in this one? Tune in around the world at 15:00 JST on Monday and find out!