Imabari vs Shonan Bellmare - J2 League

Imabari prepare to host Shonan Bellmare at the home ground on September 26, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their J2 League season. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

The standings paint a clear picture: Imabari in 20th, Shonan Bellmare in 4th, and both keen to climb. The hosts have found wins hard to come by, W across their last five telling the story of a win rate of 16.67%. The visitors have been a steady presence on the road, W in their last five and a campaign win rate of 50%. Where Imabari have leaned on defensive discipline, Shonan Bellmare have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analyses the big talking points from the first round of Women's Super League matches, bringing you closer to the key stories at the heart of the women's game.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Imabari favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Shonan Bellmare are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "If I’m Manchester United right now, I say press the green button and buy him, take him, right now.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman S. Kawasaki, whose 1 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Speaking to The United Stand, he claims Michael Carrick would potentially prefer a player like Aurelien Tchouameni over the Roma midfielder, or an alternative with Premier League experience.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Shonan Bellmare look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 1-2 victory well within their reach. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.