Japan's J-League is set for a grandstand finish this weekend with the top three clubs all capable of snatching the title as they head into the last round separated by just two points.
Surprise package Kashiwa Reysol, who lead by a point, can become champions in their very first season after being promoted, while second-placed Nagoya Grampus would seal back-to-back titles if results go their way.
Gamba Osaka, one point further back in third, need a win to have any chance of leap-frogging their rivals into first place and claiming, against all odds, their first J-League crown since 2005.
One of Japan's tightest races since it ditched the two-stage championship that year is given added spice by the fact that all three title contenders are playing away from home.
Kashiwa are at Urawa Red Diamonds' Saitama Stadium, Nagoya travel to Albirex Niigata's Big Swan venue -- where they have never won -- and Osaka are hosted by mid-table Shimizu S-Pulse.
Kashiwa striker Hideaki Kitajima said his team would not be cowed by Urawa's fiery supporters as they go in search of their second successive title, after also winning the second-tier J2 last season.
"I'm determined to score a goal in any style," Kitajima said.
"Nobody shrinks against the atmosphere at the Saitama stadium. We're not playing their supporters, we're playing Urawa. Everybody is burning to win."
Fourth-from-bottom Urawa's relegation fears appear over with Ventforet Kofu needing to win by 14 goals to draw level on both points and goal difference. Avispa Fukuoka and Montedio Yamagata are the two teams confirmed for the drop.
But midfielder Tsukasa Umesaki said despite little to play for, Urawa would do their utmost to stop Kashiwa lifting the title.
"We were relieved after we made it almost certain to remain in the first division. We don't want to see Kashiwa win the title. I'm just looking forward to playing a really strong team," he said.
Nagoya's challenge will be boosted by the presence of Australia striker Josh Kennedy, the league's top-scorer with 19 goals, along with Japan star Keiji Tamada and Jungo Fujimoto, who have another 22 between them.
But Japan defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka admitted the team was concerned by their record of one draw, six defeats and no wins away to Niigata, although he was prepared to play through injury if necessary.
"Even if I get an injury during the game, I don't care. But it's cold at this stadium. I would prefer to play in a dome stadium," he said.
Meanwhile Osaka coach Akira Nishino is hoping for the best possible send-off as he is due to leave the team at the end of the season.
"We have the lowest chance among the three teams. It is only our team who can't win the title unless we win the game," said Nishino.
Source: AFP
