Episode 254 - J1 Matchday 33 & J2 Playoffs

This bumper episode of J-Talk features Sam Robson and Lionel Piguet on J1, and Steve Fryer on the J2 Playoffs.

In a massive Part 1, Sam and Lionel weigh in on the Madness at Nihondaira on Saturday afternoon, where Shimizu and Kobe drew 3-3, but the game hit the headlines (and news bulletins in Japan) for the chaotic scenes in 19 minutes of second half stoppage time (to 16:30). We move on to Kashiwa's shocking relegation, and what the future might hold for Reysol down in J2 (to 27:20), before discussing the four teams trying to stay out of 16th and the relegation playoff spot - Nagoya and Shonan ahead of their final day showdown at the Mizuho Stadium (to 32:00), and Tosu and Iwata, while I make a right hash of trying to explain all of the permutations involving the four teams (to 42:00).

My two guests give praise to champions Kawasaki, and their picks for J1 Player of the Year (to 52:00), before we move on to the battle for the other ACL places - with a special cameo from noted clairvoyant Scott McIntyre (to 1:03:50). We finish off our Matchday 33 wrap with praise for Gamba Osaka and their nine match winning streak (to 1:12:00), and briefly chat about the Emperor's Cup semi finals (to 1:18:45) and the national team (to 1:27:50).

Then in Part 2 Steve discusses Omiya's disappointing performance in the playoff loss to ten-man Tokyo Verdy on Sunday and how Ardija's squad might look in 2019 after their failure to secure promotion, while we look ahead to Yokohama FC vs Verdy this coming Sunday.

Follow my guests on twitter:

Sam - @FRsoccerSam

Lionel - @lionelpiguet

Steve - @ardija01talk