Niigata (16th) host Gamba Osaka (4th)
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2024/11/30/japan/j1-league/albirex-niigata/gamba-osaka/4309961/
Niigata are 6 pts above the relegation spots with 2 games left. So win or draw against Osaka and they are safe from the drop. Osaka trying to secure an AFC comp spot for 2025 (top 4 J League teams).
Mitch Duke's Machida Zelvia who were leading the league for a long time, after being promoted from J2, now sit 3rd.
Be interesting to see if 36 yr old Fitzgerald San looks to play again next year, or is it time to hang up those boots. Japan more than anywhere in the world does have guys play on into their late 30s (even 40s). He's started a highly respectable 30 of 36 league games this season. He's played 259 J1 & J2 games for Niigata. More obviously with Cup games. So one more season & 300 club games may be a target??
His time at Niigata split by 3 seasons at Kawasaki Frontale (2017-2019), but he barely played there (3 games total).
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2024/11/30/japan/j1-league/albirex-niigata/gamba-osaka/4309961/
Niigata are 6 pts above the relegation spots with 2 games left. So win or draw against Osaka and they are safe from the drop. Osaka trying to secure an AFC comp spot for 2025 (top 4 J League teams).
Mitch Duke's Machida Zelvia who were leading the league for a long time, after being promoted from J2, now sit 3rd.
Be interesting to see if 36 yr old Fitzgerald San looks to play again next year, or is it time to hang up those boots. Japan more than anywhere in the world does have guys play on into their late 30s (even 40s). He's started a highly respectable 30 of 36 league games this season. He's played 259 J1 & J2 games for Niigata. More obviously with Cup games. So one more season & 300 club games may be a target??
His time at Niigata split by 3 seasons at Kawasaki Frontale (2017-2019), but he barely played there (3 games total).