Kashima Antlers vs Kyoto Sanga Prediction: Kashima’s Reputation Faces Tough Interrogation

Kashima Antlers will close the ninth matchday of the prestigious Japanese Elite division with a close-knit game against the Kyoto Sanga’s Purples. Both sides, although moving via distinct strides, have only lost two games in the last eight league appearances. As hyped as the odds are for the hosts to have a landslide victory, they have not been fortunate to defeat the visitors easily in recent meetings. 

If anything can be promised, it will be that the visitors constitute a nuisance against the hosts. Also, don’t expect many goals in this game.

Recent Meetings

Kyoto 0-0 Kashima

Kashima 1-0 Kyoto

Kashima Antlers (1st)

Recent Form: W-W-D-W-L

Kashima Antlers fell in a hard-fought loss against Sanfrecce Hiroshima last week failing to get a successful rebound after the goal concession in the 22nd minute of the game. Despite the numerous goal chances created, none was converted into an actual scoresheet alteration, leading to their second league loss since the inception of the new season.

The Antlers currently thrive as the best-attacking team so far, with a record of thirteen goals in eight games. They have taken three wins, one loss, and a stalemate in the last five league appearances.

Their League Cup game against Yamaguchi comes up next; in a game that will miss their key players, who will be severely fatigued from the rigor of this particular league pairing.

Next Opponent: Yamaguchi (League Cup)

Kyoto Sanga: (7th)

Recent Form: W-L-W-W-D

The Purples have taken pride in their satisfied performance in recent times, standing tall against the Goliaths of the league and emerging victorious despite the odds against them. They have taken on two of the league's most difficult teams, Kawasaki Frontale and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and obtained victory.

Last week against Kashiwa Reysol, they fought hard for an eventual 1-1 scoreline, fighting relentlessly to achieve a case of parity in the literal final minutes.

The team is one of the most disciplined squads this season and seeing how organised they are on strict instructions, Kashima Antlers their current opposition will have tales to tell after this encounter.

Next Opponent: Yamagata (League Cup)

TABLE SORTS - Kashima Antlers vs Kyoto Sanga

Expert betting tips

Goals will be scarce in this encounter as the two sides will be busy trying to either frustrate each other’s attacking tactics or conserve possession by curtailing defensive excesses. The bookmakers tip the following for my selected options:

+Total Under 2.5 goals at 1.74 odds from Bet365

+ A BTTS at 1.84 odds from Betway

+ FT: X at 3.50 odds from 1xbet

 Finally, for our correct score enthusiasts, pick the 1-1 full-time option.