4-5-1

This is the formation that I have been thinking about for the last few days. It's based on a number of factors including player performance this year, non-performance, and a little experimentation. It's far from ideal but we don't have much to choose from in terms of depth and experience in the squad.

It's basically a 4-5-1 with Okubo playing in the hole. By moving him forward, it can be reverted to a more conventional, attacking formation, or alternatively a defensive structure (5-4-1) by having Miyamoto drop back.
Last week I explained the reasoning behind having Okubo play deeper and this seemed to work again against Iwata.
Tomita could possibly be the player to harden up our defense. He provides close to nothing in terms of ball distribution and forward movement, but we need a rock back there to strengthen the line.
Komoto is not my favorite player but he comes in for the simple fact that he's a better defender than Mogi, Kobayashi and Matsuoka.
Matsuoka is dropped to the bench for his inability to link up the play quickly. He's been making too many back passes.
Tanaka has played well this year and I think he deserves a starting role. Ideally, I wanted to put him in the middle but this particular formation wouldn't allow it. But space will be generated for him to move freely in that area when Popo and Ishibitsu bomb up their respective wings.

Miura, you're welcome.