TOKYO (Interstat) — A J3 League matchup on Saturday pits a title-contending Vanraure Hachinohe against a struggling Kochi Utd SC, with the visitors looking to regain their dominant form.

Vanraure Hachinohe (28-9-9) enters the contest at Kochi’s Haruno Athletic Stadium sitting near the top of the table. However, their form has cooled, going 1-2-1 in their last four league matches, including a 1-1 draw with Nara Club last Saturday.

In contrast, Kochi Utd SC (14-24-10) sits near the bottom of the standings and is coming off a 1-0 home loss to Matsumoto Yamaga. They have managed just two wins in their last 10 outings across all competitions.

Recent history heavily favors the visitors. Vanraure Hachinohe has won the last two head-to-head meetings, both 3-2 victories in March of this year.

Despite the lopsided records, Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-1 draw for Saturday’s contest. A win is crucial for Vanraure Hachinohe to maintain pressure in the promotion race, while Kochi Utd SC will look to play spoiler and salvage a result from a difficult season.