Kashima Antlers vs Yokohama F. Marinos Prediction: Third Place Clashes With Second Place In This Entertaining Affair

Kashima Antlers welcomes Yokohama F. Marinos to the Kashima Stadium in the 28th round of the J1 League.

Kashima Antlers will look to bank on their impressive home run in the league, which has helped them avoid defeat in nine matches to claim a comfortable win against a side they have a slight advantage over in head-to-head meetings.

Let's have a look at the latest J1 League predictions between Kashima Antlers vs. Yokohama F. Marinos, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Kashima Antlers

Form: WDWWL

Before the international break, Kashima Antlers suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against Nagoya in the second leg of the J. League YBC Levain Cup quarterfinals (3-2 aggregate). Despite being the most successful club in this competition with six titles, they last clinched the title eight years ago, defeating Gamba Osaka 3-0.

However, they didn't let that misstep dictate the terms of their performance in the league, which has been impressive. Their recent match against Cerezo Osaka saw them eke out a 1-0 triumph at home despite being at a numerical disadvantage, with Diego Pituca seeing an early red.

With this win, they extended their unbeaten run in the league to two matches, recording two wins and a draw. It's also worth mentioning that they have suffered one loss in nine matches and will be confident in keeping things as they are by claiming their second win on the bounce.

They currently occupy third place with 46 points in the standings, with fourth-placed Urawa Red Diamonds and fifth-placed Nagoya Grampus. Their bid for a first-place finish is hindered by a six-point deficit.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

T. Hayakawa; N. Ueda, R. Hirose, I. Sekigawa, K. Anzai; Y. Higuchi, D. Pituca, K. Sano, Y. Matsumura; Y. Kakita, Y. Suzuki

Yokohama F. Marinos

Form: DLLWW

Yokohama F. Marinos were given an opportunity to redeem themselves in the AFC Champions League group stage opener against Incheon. Despite being favorites to claim their first three points at home, they suffered a disappointing 4-2 loss, placing them in third place in the standings of Group G.

Prior to that, they resumed league action with a not-so-convincing performance at home against Sagan Tosu, salvaging a point in a 1-1 draw. Recall that this is a side that lost 2-0 against Kashiwa Reysol.

Their winless run in the league has been extended to three matches, recording two losses and a draw. Away from home, they are currently on a two-match losing streak and are winless in four since a 1-0 win against Sanfrecce on June 24th. Such a poor performance only bodes for another unfavorable outcome.

They currently occupy second place with 51 points in the standings, five points ahead of their opponents in this impending encounter. Their bid for a first-place finish is hindered by a one-point deficit.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-1-3

H. Iikura; K. Nagato, Eduardo, T. Kamijima, K. Matsubara; K. Watanabe, T. Kida; N. Tae-Hee; R. Miyaichi, A. Lopes, Eiber

Match Facts

• Kashima Antlers are currently on a four-match winning streak in the J1 League.
• Yokohama F. Marinos have kept two clean sheets in nine league matches.
• Kashima Antlers averages 1.46 goals per game when playing at home, and Yokohama F. Marinos averages 1.43 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 51 meetings, Kashima Antlers have won 23 times, Yokohama F. Marinos have won 20 times, and there have been 8 draws, with the goal difference being 77-73 in favor of Kashima Antlers.

Expert Betting Tips

Kashima Antlers are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run when playing at home, picking up seven wins and two draws while being consistent scorers, finding the back of the net in eight of those matches. And it's likely that they'll prove to be a tough challenge in this one.

Judging by the recent results and trends in this fixture, it's highly likely that this meeting will turn out to be a high-scoring affair where both sides will be on the scoreboard. The BTTS & TO 2.5 market has been a winning wager in nine of their 12 matches, and we anticipate the same trend to continue here.

• Both Teams To Score + Goals - Over 2.5 for 1.90
• 1st Goal - Yokohama F. Marinos for 1.99
• Total - Over 2.5 for 1.70