J-League Gameweek 3 - Preview

J-League Gameweek two brought fierce competition and a mix-up to the table as only three teams have won both weeks. Only five remain unbeaten, and some have taken a major early dash to a good start.

Gameweek three will answer some very interesting questions; will Shimizu S-Pulse attain their third win? Are Sanfrecce Hiroshima on course to yet another big season? Will Shonan Bellmare keep up?

Two derbies, a crunch match, and battles between slow-starters. The J-League is heating up early.

Wednesday sees ten games kick off in unison as Avispa Fukuoka look to stop the ever-so-consistent Kawasaki Frontale, who are on the back of a 1-1 draw to Kashiwa Reysol.

Fagiano Okayama will host Gamba Osaka who will look to build on their earlier 2-1 win at home to Fukuoka. Okayama have never beaten Gamba before - will it be a first?

FC Tokyo need to drown out their disappointing derby performance against Nagoya Grampus, who held off Vissel Kobe in a 2-2 goalfest earlier last week.

On the back of a 4-0 demolition of Tokyo Verdy, Kashima Antlers might replicate such a feat on their second home game in a row against Albirex Niigata, who have not won a game yet.

Kashiwa Reysol will have a tough task enforcing Cerezo Osaka who have scored six in their last two matches.

Machida Zelvia are looking at a resurgence as they'll play a second Tokyo derby against Verdy -- who have not won a single match in their last five games.

Table toppers Shimizu S-Pulse have an early crunch match as Sanfrecce Hiroshima - who are right behind them - visit the IAI Stadium. This is quite possibly an early must-win as both sides have won all five of their last games.

Urawa Red Diamonds travel to the Lemon Gas Stadium to face in-form Shonan Bellmare in what is a projected win for the hosts. If Shimizu and Sanfrecce draw, Shonan will take the first-spot mantle.

Vissel Kobe will need to brush off their early draw and prove a point against visitors Kyoto Sanga, as both sides have not won a game in the league yet.

The Yokohama derby will also take place this gameweek as the Marinos will host Yokohama FC at the Nissan stadium.