24 Oct, 06:00 · UKScheduled
INDEPENDENT J1 COVERAGE · 2026/27
J1, from Japan.
J1 team news and analysis from Japanese-language reporting, by Matsu, an analyst based in Japan.
Last checked 21 Oct, 23:30 UK · 2026/27
MATCH CENTRE
Round 12 · Saturday 24 OctJapan time
24 Oct, 07:00 · UKScheduled
24 Oct, 07:00 · UKScheduled
24 Oct, 07:00 · UKScheduled
24 Oct, 08:00 · UKScheduled
Saved fixture window plus completed league results. Match status and scores reflect the last check above.
THE SCOUT’S VIEW · Matsu’s Round 10 review
Kashiwa lose top spot. Hiroshima, Machida and FC Tokyo keep coming.
Kashiwa lose top spot and suddenly Hiroshima, Machida and FC Tokyo are all level on points. Kobe right behind them too.
By Matsu · Published 19 Oct 2026Read the analysis →
Round 11 review coming.
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SORARE TACTICS · MATSU’S LINEUP INTEL
Who starts next?
My predicted J1 lineups, minutes risks and Sorare picks, on Patreon.
GW23 Lineup Report
A full example: predicted J1 lineups, team news, minutes risks and Sorare picks.
15 October 2026Read free on Patreon ↗Matchday 7 recap
Match reviews, Sorare performances and the selection changes worth watching.
15 September 2026Read free on Patreon ↗Matchday 3 review
How I connect the football, player roles and Sorare scores after each round.
24 August 2026Read free on Patreon ↗Free examples from the dates shown. Player news and predictions reflect when each report was written.
J1 AVAILABILITY
Latest team news
Mitsuki Kumasaka
Confirmed · Left-knee ligament injury announced
Matsu’s view: A senior midfield option is unavailable in the reported injury period. Current recovery progress and the replacement hierarchy remain unverified.
Event 28 Sept 2026 · Checked 21 Oct 2026
Club / league references
- J.League ↗ · 3 Oct 2026
Yu Kobayashi
Confirmed · Match return confirmed on 21 October
Matsu’s view: Restores an attacking option, without establishing a change to the starting hierarchy.
Event 21 Oct 2026 · Checked 21 Oct 2026
Club / league references
Yuta Higuchi
Confirmed · Back in the matchday squad; unused substitute
Matsu’s view: Previous assessment before the 21 October squad return: Assessment: losing an option in this position reduces cover and flexibility; no replacement is assumed.
Event 21 Oct 2026 · Checked 21 Oct 2026
Club / league references
Koki Morita
Confirmed · Match return confirmed on 21 October
Matsu’s view: Restores a squad option in this position. A named teammate losing his place is not established.
Event 21 Oct 2026 · Checked 21 Oct 2026
Club / league references
- Club / J.League ↗ · 10 Sept 2026
- Tokyo Verdy — official derby record ↗ · 17 Oct 2026
- Tokyo Verdy — post-match player interview ↗ · 17 Oct 2026
- J.League official match record · 21 Oct 2026 ↗
THE RACE
At the top
| # | Club | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Machida Zelvia | 11 | 8 | 2 | 1 | +20 | 26 | DLWWW |
| 2 | FC Tokyo | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | +13 | 24 | WWWWD |
| 3 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 | +15 | 23 | WWWWL |
| 4 | Vissel Kobe | 11 | 7 | 1 | 3 | +7 | 22 | WWLWL |
| 5 | Kashiwa Reysol | 11 | 7 | 1 | 3 | +5 | 22 | WWWLD |
| 6 | Kashima Antlers | 11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | +5 | 20 | LDWWD |
Calculated from completed J1 league results.
LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER
The numbers behind the form
Home & awayCompare each club’s record by venue →Clean sheetsWho is keeping opponents out? →Recent formLast five or ten league games →Top scorersThe league’s leading goalscorers →FIND YOUR CLUB
Twenty clubs. Twenty stories.
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