In an attempt to exploit the advantage gained in the September Matanikau action, Maruyama deployed the three battalions of the 4th Infantry Regiment with additional supporting units under Major General Yumio Nasu along the west side of the Matanikau River south of Point Cruz with three companies from the 4th Infantry Regiment placed on the east side of the river.
I et forsøg på at udnytte den fordel, der var opnået i kampene i september ved Matanikau, supplerede Maruyama de tre bataljoner fra 4. infanteriregiment med yderligere støtteenheder under generalmajor Yumio Nasu langs den vestlige bred af Matanikau syd for Point Cruz med tre kompagnier fra 4. infanteri placeret på den østlige bred af floden.