This year's J. League title race has become a two-team duel between Kashima Antlers and Kawasaki Frontale, but the picture at the other end of the table is not quite so clear.
One thing, however, is certain — with four games of the season remaining, nothing short of a miracle can save Albirex Niigata from relegation. Bottom side Albirex, who have been a mainstay in the top flight since 2004, are 12 points from safety with 12 points to play for, and a goal difference of minus-36.
But predicting which two teams will join them in J2 next season is far more difficult. Omiya Ardija are currently second-bottom on 24 points, with three-time champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima also in the drop zone on 27 points. Of the teams currently occupying safe ground, Ventforet Kofu have 28 points, Shimizu S-Pulse 30, Consadole Sapporo 34 and Vegalta Sendai 36.