Into a new season already. With such a short close season plus this year's distinct lack of friendlies that we've become accustomed to it was a bit of a shock to suddenly have our first competitive match upon us last Tuesday. And that hard fought win is rewarded to another trip to Japan tomorrow. We gave a good account of ourselves in Japan last season and, although it'll be against the odds, it would be nice to go one better this year.
Like the TPL, the J league doesn't start until the last weekend in February. And like Chonburi, Tokyo FC also have a new manager who has also only had pre-season friendies so far to organize tactics etc. So, preparation wise, we're probably in a similar position.
I think the weather is one factor that will definitely favour FC Tokyo. It will allow them to play at a higher tempo than we do and I can see that extra pace causing us problems. Even with our recent cold spell the temperature will be much lower than we see in Chonburi. And even though Tokyo's current 10-15c is just a fresh spring day to some of us I still expect at least six or seven of our players to play wearing gloves.
Our back four will have to be much more disciplined than they were last week. I fear that if Chonlatit goes walkabouts again, continually leaving us with three at the back again, we'll have real problems with counter attacks. Chonlatit is Chonburi through and through and likes nothing better than linking up with attacks to make the extra man but, once an attack has broken down, he's got to get back quickly. Fail to get back to his defensive duties against quality opposition and we'll be in trouble.
Going forward I'm more confident. If we press high up the pitch and keep things tight in midfield it will deny them space and time on the ball. Our shape is good and our movement, both on and off the ball, could create problems. We're more than capable of scoring. Kim Chul Ho, with his high work rate, stood out last week and, with the Korean weather similar to Japan's, he could well be the player to get our midfield ticking again tonight.
It's going to be a very difficult match, FC Tokyo do regularly play at a higher level than we're used to, but it's definitely not going to be a walkover. We'll give a good account of ourselves and, providing we keep our shape and discipline, we can push them all the way. But I do think we'll eventually lose out to the odd goal in three.
And lastly, I understand our webmaster's wife celebrates her birthday today. As the game isn't being shown on TV, only on an unreliable internet stream, I think the very least he could do is spend the evening away from football and take her to the best Japanese restaurant he can find (plenty of those where I live! - ed).
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