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J-League Preview: Gamba, Kawasaki clash again

Kenta Hasegawa's Gamba advanced past Kawasaki 5-4 on aggregate in their two-legged J-League Cup semi-final, winning the home leg 3-1 before a 3-2 loss on the road.

Gamba are also on a six-match winning streak in the Japanese top flight, which has taken them second in the table with 49 points - one point above Kawasaki in fourth.

Kawasaki's domestic form has been below par in addition to their cup exit, with only one win in their past four.

The past two outings have seen Yahiro Kazama's men lose to Albirex Niigata 3-0, and draw 1-1 with Vegalta Sendai - both sides in the bottom half of the 18-team league.

Kawasaki's lacklustre form sees them sit outside the AFC Champions League spots - the top three - but a win over Gamba could catapult them into second depending on how third-placed Kashima Antlers fare at home to Kashiwa Reysol.