Vissel Kobe are the reigning Meiji Yasuda J1 League champions and now they are on the hunt for a second consecutive crown. This week, that push for immortality takes them to streaking Yokohama F·Marinos on Sunday at 19:30 JST in a match that will be live on JLeague.co and broadcasters around the world.

Vissel have slumped in recent weeks, going three straight matches without a win, but they are within eight points of the top. They are balanced from front to back, with the third-best goal difference in the league, giving them the quality to make a run at the title..

Last season’s J1 MVP Yuya Osako has three goals and an assist in his last five matches as he has returned to his best form. That’s especially crucial for Vissel this weekend, when they will be without star centerback Matheus Thuler after his red card on Wednesday.

F·Marinos have just the man to exploit a weakened defense too. Anderson Lopes is in the fight for his second consecutive Top Scorer title with 14 goals this season, and compatriots Élber and Yan Matheus scored on Wednesday as the Tricolor won their third match in a row.

With the Tricolor hitting their stride, they are a very dangerous team, so if Vissel can win in Yokohama it will be a major statement that they are ready for a run at the top.

Will F·Marinos win their fourth in a row or will Vissel’s quest for a second straight title get a big boost?

Find out live on JLeague.co!