Kashima Antlers
- Kashima Antlers must produce one of the greatest comebacks in J League history if they are to overhaul the five-goal deficit.
- They have plenty of pride to play for and will not go down without a fight in front of their fans.
- Kashima finished top of the East with 45 points from 18 matches.
Vissel Kobe
- Vissel Kobe are on a three-game winning streak and thumped Kashima Antlers 5-0 in the Play-Off first leg.
- Vissel won the West with 35 points from 18 matches.
- They are overwhelming favorites and a draw could be enough for them to take the overall title.
Head-to-Head
In the last six meetings in all competitions, Vissel have won three times, Kashima twice and one was a 0-0 draw .
Vissel Kobe
- Daiya Maekawa has been a rock in goal.
- Yosuke Ōsako is on a scoring streak and bagged three against his old club in the first leg.
- Yosuke Ōsako will be the focal point of their attacks in the second leg.
Kashima Antlers
- Léo Ceará is their main goal threat and is among the league's top scorers.
- Gaku Shibasaki and Naomichi Ueda provide the experience and set-piece quality that Kashima will need.
- Tomoki Hayakawa has been a commanding centre-back all season and will have to start again if Kashima are to keep Vissel in the game.
Betting Insights
- Market odds: Vissel 2.83, Kashima 2.51, Draw 3.12.
- Recommended market: Under 2.5 goals at 1.68, given Kashima's uphill task and Vissel's need to manage the game.
Prediction
- Vissel Kobe are favorites to close out the tie and can be expected to play a controlled, pressing game.
- Kashima must be compact, disciplined and try to snatch a goal while keeping the game intact until late on.
