At different points this season, Cerezo Osaka and Urawa Reds have been near the top of the table and fighting for the title. Slip-ups have seen them slide, but they have talent that can stand up to any in the league and are hoping for a summer surge that can put them back among the best teams in J1.

Their attempt to rise back to the top kicks off on Saturday at 19:00 JST when the Reds visit the Sakura in a clash live on JLeague.co and broadcasters around the world.

Cerezo have one big advantage on Urawa, and pretty much any other team in the league right now - Léo Ceará.

The Brazilian is the Meiji Yasuda J1 League's hottest player with 11 goals in the last 12 matches. That has him up to 13 goals on the year, the most in the top flight.

It’s not like Léo Ceará is doing it alone, though. While he is the primary finisher on the team, his exploits in the box are aided by the superb vision of Lucas Fernandes, whose six assists lead J1. Vitor Bueno is also getting better as the year goes on, giving Cerezo another dangerous man on the ball and a trio of Brazilian ballers in the final third.

Urawa have a big challenge on their hands with that Sakura attack opposite them. It’s one they would have relished a year ago, when they had the league’s best defense. They haven’t been near that level this season, though, which is why they are down in eighth place, even if their attack has taken major leaps forward.

New signing Thiago Santana has delivered and then some, with seven goals. His constant threat in front of goal has given the Reds a hub through which to run their attack and he’s only gotten better as the season has gone on.

It helps that the striker has an in-form creator behind him in Shoya Nakajima. His four assists lead the Saitama club, while also being one of 12 players on the team who have joined Thiago Santana with goals this season.

Which Brazilian will lead their team to victory in Osaka on Saturday: Top scorer Léo Ceara helping the mighty Sakura surge or Thiago Santana sharpening the spear of the Urawa attack?

Find out live on JLeague.co!