Head-to-Head
Kashima Antlers have won the last four J1 League meetings between these sides, including a 2-0 win over Kashiwa Reysol in February 2026.
Kashiwa Reysol
- Kashiwa Reysol’s form has been patchy in comparison, winning 3-0 twice at home in April 2026, but losing their two most recent J1 League fixtures.
- Kashiwa languish mid-to-lower with around 11 from 10.
Kashima Antlers
- Kashima Antlers have won five of their last six competitive matches, including back-to-back clean sheets.
- Kashima top the East group with around 29 points from 11 matches.
Key Players
- Kashiwa Reysol play progressive, possession-based soccer, but Ricardo Rodríguez’s men are not afraid to attack the opposing goal and play a high-tempo, high-risk game against any team in any division.
- Kashiwa are flexible in their defensive shape and deploy an aggressive, all-field counter-pressing game to control the tempo.
- Rodriguez’s team have a star quality playmaker in Mao Hosoya, who is also their talisman and main goal source.
- Yusuke Segawa and Yuki Kakita bring creativity and goals to the table as well, but the team’s best chances come from their front two.
- The side’s defensive consistency is questionable, however, as Kashiwa have been susceptible to set-pieces and shown lapses in recent away games.
- Toru Oniki is famous for his ability to get the best out of limited teams and his Antlers side, who won the 2025 J1 title, play a defensive-minded, disciplined style of soccer.
- Gaku Shibasaki and Kento Misao provide the control and set-piece quality in midfield, but Kashima’s defensive structure and compact shape are their main strengths.
- Antlers like to get numbers back quickly when out of possession and can be very dangerous on the counter-attack, particularly through their wide areas and set-pieces.
- Yūma Suzuki leads the line and offers a constant aerial threat and scoring ability, but Léo Ceará is still their most significant goal source and focal point in attack.
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Key players (at a glance):
- Kashiwa Reysol: Mao Hosoya, Yusuke Segawa, Yuki Kakita
- Kashima Antlers: Gaku Shibasaki, Kento Misao, Yūma Suzuki, Léo Ceará
Betting Insights
- The bookmakers have made Kashiwa Reysol a small favourite at 2.17 to beat Kashima Antlers on Friday, with the visitors priced at 3.31.
- However, the consensus amongst the preview and betting markets is that Toru Oniki’s men are the most likely winners here, especially given the Antlers’ superior form, head-to-head history and position in the standings.
- There’s not much between the two teams, however, and we are happy to take an odds of 1.77 on Under 2.5 goals in this clash.
- Friday’s game is a rematch of the 2025 title race and both teams will be keen to gain some momentum heading into the second half of the campaign.
Prediction
- Prediction: Kashima Antlers to win.
- Alternative/market play: Under 2.5 goals at 1.77.
