KOCHI, Japan (Interstat) — A J3 League matchup on Saturday pits a surging Thespa Gunma against a struggling Kochi United SC, with the teams projected for a 1-1 draw by the Interstat game simulator.

Thespa Gunma (8-4-8, 28 points) enters the contest in strong form, coming off a decisive 6-2 victory over Matsumoto Yamaga on Nov. 23. The win extended their unbeaten streak to four matches, having also secured wins against Azul Claro Numazu, Tegevajaro Miyazaki and Zweigen Kanazawa in recent weeks.

Conversely, Kochi United SC (5-5-10, 20 points) looks to rebound from a 1-0 loss to Osaka on Nov. 24. The home side has found goals hard to come by, failing to score in three of their last five outings and managing just one win in that span. Their offense has been stifled, with four scoreless performances in their last 10 matches.

The previous meeting between these clubs this season ended in a 2-2 draw on May 17 in Gunma.

Thespa Gunma’s attack has been potent during their current run, averaging 2.75 goals per game over their last four matches. Kochi’s defense, which has conceded multiple goals in six of their last 10 games, will be tested. The home team will rely on their victory over Giravz Kitakyushu on Sept. 27, where they secured a clean sheet, as a blueprint for success.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. local time at Kochi’s Haruno Athletic Stadium.