Kashima Antlers vs Albirex Niigata Prediction: The Antlers Are Strong At Home; Expect A Win!

Kashima Antlers will welcome Albirex Niigata to the Kashima Stadium in the third round of the J1 League. Kashima Antlers are sixth in the table on three points, while Niigata are 17th.

Let's head into the match preview to find the best odds on the Kashima Antlers vs. Albirex Niigata game and my expert picks to place your bets.

Kashima Antlers

Kashima Antlers did not start the season on a positive note. In their first game they lost 1-0 against Shonan Bellmare on the road. They found themselves trailing behind in the 64th minute courtesy of a Sho Fukuda effort.

However, that didn't stop the Antlers from getting back on their feet on the second matchday. They were matched against Tokyo Verdy, this time at home. Leo Ceara was the standout player as he scored two goals to lead his team to a commanding 4-0 victory. 

Last season, the Antlers were unstoppable at home. They were the only team that concluded the season without suffering defeat in 19 games, recording ten wins and nine draws. This time around, it seems they are in for another dominant showing at the Kashima Soccer Stadium. 

Albirex Niigata

Albirex Niigata were on course for their first win of the season against Yokohama F. Marinos on the road. In that match, they were leading in the 26th minute through Shusuke Ota's effort. It wasn't until they conceded a late penalty with thirteen minutes left on the clock. This ultimately led to a 1-1 draw with a point taken.

In the second round, they were stunned by newly-promoted outfit Shimizu S-Pulse, losing 2-0 away from home. That result was to be expected considering Hiroki Akiyama was shown red twenty-six minutes into the first half.

Last season, Niigata did not conclude their campaign on a positive note, particularly away from home. They failed to win their last five matches, recording three draws and two losses. Considering that they are winless in two away games this season, nothing much can be expected from them in this one.

Match Facts

• Kashima Antlers is currently on a two-match winning streak at home.
• Albirex Niigata are winless in their last five encounters against Kashima Antlers.
• Kashima Antlers has won four of their last five encounters Albirex Niigata.
• Albirex Niigata is currently on a seven-match winless run when playing away in the J1 League.

Head-To-Head

In the last 38 meetings, Kashima Antlers has won 20 times, Albirex Niigata has win 9 times, and there have been 9 draws with the goal difference being 69-41 in favour of Kashima Antlers. 

Expert Betting Tips

Kashima Antlers might have started the season on a bad note but the way I see it they've started to find their footing. At home, they are untouchable and I don't see them dropping a single point against a side that has performed poorly on the road. 

Let's not forget that Kashima Antlers are unbeaten in their last 23 home games in the J1 League. That's a run that extends to the previous seasons. That said, I'm backing the home side in the full-time market to make it two wins in a row this season.

Our main prediction for the match: Full-time Result - Kashima Antlers for 2.10 with Bet365.

2nd prediction: Total - Over 2.5 for 2.23 with 1xbet.

3rd prediction: Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.90 with Betway.