Kashima Antlers vs Vissel Kobe

Kashima Soccer Stadium plays host to a high-stakes J1 League showdown between title-bidding Kashima Antlers and relegation-threatened Vissel Kobe.

A second-half double fired Kashima Antlers to a 2-0 win over Gamba Osaka in midweek Emperor’s Cup action, extending their unbeaten streak in all competitions to eight matches (W5, D3). However, Kashima’s recent J1 League form casts doubt on their title bid, as they have drawn three of their last four league outings (W1). Trailing table-topping Yokohama F. Marinos by five points, the ‘Antlers’ can ill-afford another slip-up if they were to remain competitive in the title race. They can draw confidence from going unbeaten in their last six top-flight home outings (W3, D3), netting 3+ goals on four occasions. Kashima’s home form bodes well for their hopes of halting an eight-game winless H2H home league run (D3, L5).

On the other hand, Vissel Kobe scored on either side of half-time in a tight 2-1 home triumph over Kashiwa Reysol in the Emperor’s Cup last-16, making it four wins in a row across all competitions. Coming into this matchday, Takayuki Yoshida’s men languish in the dreaded relegation playoff spot, albeit only one point adrift of safety. Following back-to-back J1 League defeats, the visitors have won their last three league games on the bounce to reignite their survival hopes. More importantly, after going winless in their opening nine away league fixtures (D3, L6), Kobe have won on both previous top-flight travels without conceding.