Kashima Antlers
- Kashima Antlers will be delighted with their start to the season and currently sit 3rd in the J League 2026/2027 table with 12 points from 5 matches, a tally which should be enough to keep the title buzz alive.
- Toru Oniki has kept things tight and efficient, as Kashima's pragmatic setup is based on being compact, keeping it simple and hitting at the other end with some shrewd counters.
- Leo is their main man with 8 goals in 5 J League matches, and he's scored 7 of their last 11 goals.
- Kashima come into this matchup unbeaten in the J League 2026/2027 at home with two wins from two games, scoring five goals in the process.
Urawa Red Diamonds
- Urawa Red Diamonds are 14th in the J League 2026/2027 with 6 points from 5 games.
- They've won 3 consecutive games in all competitions, however, so confidence should be high in the visiting camp.
- Harumi Minamino is Urawa's leading scorer with 2 goals in 5 J League 2026/2027 games.
- Ado Onaiwu has added 3 goals in Urawa's last 10 across all competitions and they'll pose a real threat when running at their opponents on the break, which they often will be with Kwi-Jea Cho's new press-heavy identity.
Head-to-Head
Kashima Antlers have won the last 3 games between the sides.
Kashima Antlers
Leo is their main man with 8 goals in 5 J League matches, and he's scored 7 of their last 11 goals.
Urawa Red Diamonds
- Harumi Minamino is Urawa's leading scorer with 2 goals in 5 J League 2026/2027 games.
- Takuro Kaneko has been an excellent provider with 4 assists and has largely controlled the flow of the game in the final third.
- Ado Onaiwu has added 3 goals in Urawa's last 10 across all competitions and they'll pose a real threat when running at their opponents on the break, which they often will be with Kwi-Jea Cho's new press-heavy identity.
Betting Insights
- Kashima are unbeaten at home in the J League 2026/2027 and Urawa will be looking to exploit any gaps in their midfield, so both teams to score makes plenty of sense at 1.8.
- I also like Over 2.5 at 1.95, but I think the best pick is for a home win at 1.8.
Prediction
- Kashima should have the edge, however, as they have more of a historical edge (won the last 3 meetings) and are in excellent form.
- Urawa's recent 3-match winning streak in all competitions will have boosted confidence, but they have a poor away record in the league so far (W1, L2), although they have scored 7 goals in those 3 trips.