This match is going to be bigger than the FA Cup over here in Japan. Two lads who went to the same local schools in Kawasaki. Played in the same junior teams from 5 years old. With both getting picked up at 8 years old by local J-League team, Kawasaki Frontale. Finally going head-to-head against each other for the first time, after almost a lifetime of playing on the same team.

The face off is getting tonnes of press over here as they were always on the same team and now need to go at each other.

Ao is a year younger than Mitoma, so in Japanese society, needs to politely look up to Mitoma as his sempai, or "big brother."

Ao even made it on to national TV over here. Apparently they Line (text) each other every day.

The reporter asked, what was the last text you sent to him?
Ao revealed, I asked him to give me the 3 points 😁
Mitoma replied, don't be daft mate, we need the points too!

Ding dong!

The national football press also running with Ao winning 18 out of his first 20 starts for Leeds at home, which is a new club record for a joiner to the club.

It's going to be interesting watching the interaction between the two players on the day, with most of Japan's football world tuning in for this one at midnight on Sunday, knowing Monday is a bank holiday.