This is the opening match of new season. In 2020, Tochigi made efforts, ending up in the 10th place, that was better than expected. This year, their mission is to compete for the promotion.
This year, Tochigi signed with former Fagiano playmaker, Ueda. His departure from Okayama was a surprise so that he must be motivated to face us. The red-uniformed men are required to be careful especially about his set-pieces.
On January 16th, the club held a press conference for the upcoming season. Needless to say, the head coach, Arima is highly expected to lead the outfit to get ticket for the upper league.
Last year, Okayama struggled in the mid-table and eventually, ended up in the 17th place, worse than the 9th in 2019. This upcoming season, the red-uniformed club are highly expected to show more stable performances throughout the year.
During the transfer period, the club made a deal with several young talents to reinforce their total strengths. Young goal keeper, Umeda and centre back, Inoue can be the club's key player.
Last term, Tottori ended up in the 5th place, better than 2019 season. After the season, veteran Brazilian attacker, Fernandinho made an retirement. And also, young centre back, Inoue signed with Okayama so that they might struggle in the first part of the new season.
The 7th placed in 2020, Imabari FC signed with some talents as of now. Toya is one of these. The young forward is on a loan deal from the division 1 club, Avispa Fukuoka. He can be the one to cover up for the former Imabari's ace forward, Hayashi.
Two clubs aim for the upper league with their new signings this upcoming season.
Young midfielder, Takuma Takema leaves Okayama. He had no appearances in 2020.
Another young attacker, Carlos Duke plays for the division 2 rival, Machida Zelvia on a loan from the club. He is expected to improve himself there.
An experienced playmaker, Shohei Takeda signed with the division 2 rival, Kyoto Sanga. He played for Ventforet Kofu on a loan from Okayama last year.
The club signed with Kawano from Mito Hollyhock. He has 18 appearances for Mito in 2020. This defender is expected to enhance the club's solid defense.
Young goal keeper, Umeda joins the club on a loan from the division 1 club, Shimizu S-pulse. He can be the hope, who can cover up for the former first choice keeper, Popp William.
The league is literally difficult to predict. In this league, there are more clubs with J League 100 Year Plan holder, aiming for J League division 3. Veertien MIE, Iwaki FC and FC Osaka, they all lost at the last match of the 2020 season and missed the ticket to the division 3.
Nara club struggled near the bottom for the last few years. During this term, the club struggled the lack of ability to score goals. Their strength are needed to be more reinforced for the new season.
2020 JFL champion, Verspah OITA can be one of the title favorites this season. The club don't aim for the J League so that they play like a gatekeeper for the other clubs, aiming for J league.
Honda FC, owned by Honda Motor Co, failed to finish as the championship of JFL in 2020. As of now, this powerful club have no intention to aim for J league but, the club can also be one of the title favorites.
Kochi United and Matsue city FC target to compete for the top four of the league. They aim for the promotion to the division 3 in the near future.
Malaysian striker, HADI FAYYADH plays for the division 3 club, Azul claro Numazu on a loan from Okayama this year. He had no appearances for the club last year.
The club signed with midfielder, Miyazaki on a loan from the division 1 club, FC Tokyo. He played for Tokyo for one match last year.
The club signed with another youngster, Kawamoto on a loan from the division 1 club, Kawamoto. He has six appearances with one goal.
