Consadole Sapporo face Vanraure Hachinohe on Saturday, Feb 27 at 12:00 PM in a basement battle that neither side can afford to lose. Both clubs are deep in the relegation picture in the J2 League, and defeat here could prove costly come the end of the season.

Consadole Sapporo come into this fixture struggling badly (0W 4L in last 5). Vanraure Hachinohe, meanwhile, arrive struggling badly (1W 3L in last 5) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks.

Verdict: This looks an evenly matched contest. Home advantage gives Consadole Sapporo a slight edge, but Vanraure Hachinohe are capable of causing problems. A draw would be a fair result.