After the Yokohama F. Marinos dramatically won the first stage a month ago, the J. League Division One second stage is set to get underway Saturday.
Top title contenders are expected to be the Marinos, last year's second stage winner Shimizu S-Pulse, Kashiwa Reysol, Cerezo Osaka and J. League defending champion Jubilo Iwata.
The Marinos, guided by Argentine manager Ossie Ardiles, are aiming to sweep the season title by clinching the second stage. No club has won both stages since the J. League began in 1993 (the circuit had a one-stage format in 1996), as the first stage winners tend to sit back in the second stage. So the mental aspect of their game will be as much a key to their success as the technical part.