Kashima Antlers look to strengthen their grip at the top of the J1 League table when they welcome Sanfrecce Hiroshima to Kashima Stadium on Saturday. The hosts seek a third straight league victory, while the visitors aim to break into the top three and AFC Champions League contention.
Kashima Eyeing Title Control
Under the guidance of Toru Oniki, Kashima Antlers have emerged as one of the most consistent sides in the division. They’ve won nine of their last ten matches across all competitions and returned from the international break in dominant fashion, dispatching Kusatsu 4-0 in the Emperor’s Cup on Wednesday.
That performance marked Kashima’s third clean sheet in four games and helped maintain their momentum. The Antlers currently lead the J1 League with 40 points from 19 matches, sitting six points clear of Kyoto Sanga, Urawa Reds, and Kashiwa Reysol. A win this weekend could extend that gap to nine points and further cement their control of the title race.
Their form at home has been particularly impressive, having won five consecutive matches at Kashima Stadium. In fact, they’ve only suffered one home defeat since September 2024, making them one of the toughest hosts in the division.
Should they clinch a 14th league win of the season, Kashima could create a significant cushion at the summit. However, a loss could allow the chasing pack to close the gap, potentially cutting their lead to three points by the end of the weekend.
Hiroshima Targeting Top Three
Sanfrecce Hiroshima, meanwhile, are back on track after back-to-back losses at the end of May. Michael Skibbe’s men have bounced back with two wins in a row – a come-from-behind aggregate victory over Avispa Fukuoka in the League Cup and a 3-1 win against Brew Saga in the Emperor’s Cup.
Currently fifth in the league on 32 points, Viola are just two points off the AFC Champions League places. A win in Kashima could lift them as high as second, depending on other results, while a loss may cause a significant drop, potentially down to eighth.
Hiroshima’s away form in May was excellent, but their most recent road trip ended in a 1-0 defeat to Fukuoka. That result may cast some doubt over their ability to pull off a result against the league leaders, but they remain dangerous and well-organised under Skibbe’s direction.
Form Guide
Kashima Antlers head into this clash having won four of their last five J1 League matches, including recent victories over Urawa Reds, Cerezo Osaka, and Avispa Fukuoka. Their only slip during that stretch was a narrow 1-0 loss away to Kawasaki Frontale, which they quickly put behind them.
In all competitions, the Antlers have won six of their last seven games. That run includes a 3-0 win over Iwaki, a hard-fought league success against Kyoto Sanga, and the 4-0 cup triumph over Kusatsu in midweek, showing their ability to balance multiple fronts effectively.
As for Sanfrecce Hiroshima, their league form remains strong despite a recent dip. They had enjoyed a five-match winning streak in the J1 League before falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Kashiwa Reysol. That loss was preceded by league wins over Albirex Niigata, Yokohama F Marinos, and Kawasaki Frontale.
In all competitions, Hiroshima have responded well to adversity, winning both legs of their League Cup tie against Avispa Fukuoka and easing past Brew Saga in the Emperor’s Cup after consecutive defeats. That resilience will be key as they face the league leaders.
Team News
Kashima welcomed back striker Leo Ceara from injury during their midweek cup fixture, but it was Yuma Suzuki who stole the show, netting a hat-trick off the bench. As a result, Suzuki is tipped to start on Saturday, supported by Yuta Higuchi in the attacking midfield role, with Yuta Matsumura and Talles flanking the wings.
In goal, Tomoki Hayakawa should continue, with a backline featuring Koike, Ueda, Kim, and Mizoguchi.
For Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Keisuke Osako is expected to return in goal after international duty. Michael Skibbe could deploy a back three of Tsukasa Shiotani, Hayato Araki, and Sho Sasaki to protect the returning shot-stopper.
Mutsuki Kato is eligible again after serving his suspension and could slot in behind the front line. The Germain brothers, Vitor and Ryo, are both expected to lead the attack, supported by midfielders such as Kawabe and Higashi.
Predicted Lineups
Kashima Antlers:
Hayakawa; Koike, Ueda, Kim, Mizoguchi; Shibasaki, Misao; Matsumura, Higuchi, Brener; Suzuki
Sanfrecce Hiroshima:
Osako; Shiotani, Araki, Sasaki; Nakano, Higashi, Kawabe, Arai; V Germain, Kato; R Germain
Kickoff:
Saturday, June 15 | 11:00 WAT | Kashima Stadium
Prediction: Kashima Antlers 2-1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Kashima are in excellent form, and with nine wins from their last 10 matches, they will be expecting to add to their tally this weekend. Additionally, the Antlers have been particularly strong at home, and while Hiroshima could be a tough test, the hosts’ record at Kashima Stadium suggests that they are unlikely to lose at the very least.