Can wounded Tokyo stop Reysol's defensive machine? (FC Tokyo vs Kashiwa Reysol prediction) | OneFootball

FC Tokyo Face Crucial Test Against High-Flying Kashiwa Reysol

FC Tokyo will be desperate to halt their alarming slide down the J1 League table when they host fourth-placed Kashiwa Reysol at the National Stadium on Friday evening.

The capital club currently find themselves mired in 17th position with just two wins from nine matches, while visitors Reysol have enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign under Ricardo Rodríguez, suffering just one defeat so far.

Form Guide

Tokyo's recent form makes for grim reading. Rikizo Matsuhashi's side have gone six matches without a victory, with their last three points coming back in Round 3. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-0 defeat at Fagiano Okayama, extending a worrying run that has seen them fail to score in three of their last five matches.

In stark contrast, Kashiwa Reysol arrive in confident mood following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gamba Osaka. That result maintained their excellent defensive record, with Rodríguez's well-drilled outfit having conceded just six goals in nine matches.

Team News

Tokyo's preparation has been severely hampered by a growing injury list. Kosuke Shirai is the latest casualty after suffering a left hamstring injury in training, joining Kanta Doi (hamstring), In-Hwan Baek (hamstring), Keita Endo (shoulder) and Yuta Arai (ACL) on the sidelines.

Kashiwa will be without left-back Daiki Sugioka, who remains sidelined with a thigh muscle tear sustained in early March.

Key Battle

All eyes will be on midfielder Riki Harakawa, who makes his first return to face former employers Tokyo since his January transfer to Reysol. The 31-year-old has quickly established himself as a key figure in Kashiwa's engine room and will be determined to prove a point against his old teammates.

For the hosts, much will depend on whether Kein Sato can rediscover his scoring touch. The forward has contributed two goals and one assist this season but has struggled for consistency in front of goal.

National Stadium Factor

Despite their poor form, Tokyo can take some comfort from their historically strong performances at the National Stadium. The venue's grand setting has often inspired the capital club to raise their game, and they'll need every advantage against a well-organised Reysol side.

The occasion will be marked by pre-match entertainment including a fireworks and drone show, plus a special collaboration with "Spring Manga 2025" featuring manga-themed exhibitions and photo opportunities for supporters.

Prediction

Tokyo's injury problems and lack of attacking fluency suggest they face an uphill battle against one of the league's most consistent performers. While the National Stadium factor might inspire an improved performance, Kashiwa's defensive solidity and greater confidence should see them through a tight contest.

Predicted Score: FC Tokyo 0 - 1 Kashiwa Reysol