Urawa Reds are hoping to make a run at the upper echelons of the table, while Albirex Niigata want to get away from the relegation fight. That leaves both with plenty to play for when they meet on Saturday at 14:00 JST in a match that will be shown live on JLeague.co and broadcasters around the world.

The Reds were near the top before losing three of four, but they bounced back with a 2-1 win over Yokohama F·Marinos on Monday. That leaves them in ninth place, but only six points back of second. A climb towards the top is well within reach.

Urawa’s varied attack has paid dividends this season as new signing Thiago Santana has settled in well to lead the team in scoring, while four different players have multiple assists on the campaign.

The key for Per-Mathias Høgmo remains at the back, where the Reds’ new boss has struggled to recreate the J1 best defense that delivered Urawa’s AFC Champions League title a year ago. If they can begin defending like they did last season, victory this weekend and a sprint up the table are very much in the cards.

Albirex are simply trying to limit the damage, having followed up two wins in their first three matches with just one in nine since. Some weeks they look dangerous on the ball only for the defense to let them down, while others they defend well, but struggle for goals. There are signs of a good team across the board in Niigata and a bit of consistency could be all they need.

Can Albirex turn the tide? Or will Urawa begin their march toward the top of the table?

Find out when we go live from Niigata this Saturday.