Vissel Kobe are back on top of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. The reigning champions have been stalking a variety of leaders all season, hanging just a bit back as they readied to make their move to win another title. Last week they did just that, surging into first place and now they look to protect their perch when they square off against Tokyo Verdy on Sunday at 14:00 JST live on JLeague.co and broadcasters around the world.

As has been the case all year, Vissel are not dominant at the front or the bank, instead showcasing excellent teamwork and cohesiveness all over the pitch. They have the second-best attack in the league and third-best defense, with the midfield helping supplement fine play in both ends.

Yuya Osako and Yoshinori Muto remain the stars in Kobe and each has scored 11 goals this season, with Osako adding eight assists and Muto seven, but the big key has been the winter addition of Taisei Miyashiro. He’s scored 10 goals, giving Vissel a three-headed monster as they aim to capture the league crown.

Vissel have been in sensational form since August, having run off a 12-match unbeaten streak across all competitions before falling in league play on October 12. They’ve since run off four straight wins across J1, the AFC Champions League Elite and Emperor’s Cup, reestablishing themselves as Japan’s most in-form side.

That makes things especially difficult for Verdy, who have been very good in their own right. They are sixth in the table despite this being their first season back in the top flight since 2008 after running off results in eight of their last nine contests. With a fourth place finish and potential spot in Asian competition on offer, they will certainly be looking to take points off Vissel and reach even higher in this outstanding campaign on the green side of Tokyo.

Will Verdy get the job done yet again? Or will Vissel move one step closer to a J1 title?

Find out live on JLeague.co!