FC Machida Zelvia and Cerezo Osaka both have designs on winning the Meiji Yasuda J1 League title, putting huge stakes on Wednesday’s clash when the two clubs meet at 19:00 JST in a match that will be shown live on JLeague.co and broadcasters around the world.

Zelvia sit second in the table, separated from the top only on goal difference. A few weeks ago, it was Cerezo who sat on the summit, but a poor run of form has seen them fall all the way to seventh place. Still, they are only six points back of the top and can play their way right back into the thick of the title fight.

That Zelvia are in this position is a magnificent accomplishment considering they were just promoted this season and are in their first-ever top flight campaign. They have proven they belong, though, led by a defense that has given up the fewest goals in J1 through 13 games.

The Sakura back line hasn’t been quite as sturdy, and certainly wasn’t over the weekend as they conceded four in a loss to first place Vissel Kobe. But Cerezo have shown they can be a very good defensive team and if they can regain that form then they are very much a title contender with the unstoppable Léo Ceará leading the Sakura up front.

Will Léo Ceará win the Sakura three points to renew their title push? Or will Zelvia’s defense reign supreme to keep them in the upper reaches of the table?

Tune in around the world on Wednesday and find out!