Kashima Antlers currently sit 4th in the J.League with an impressive overall performance, and their home form is the best in the league, boasting 8 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. However, Kashima have declined significantly recently—excluding their latest Emperor's Cup match, they have failed to win their last 4 league games, managing only 1 draw and 3 defeats, with their last 3 league matches all ending in 1-2 losses. Compared to the first half of the season, the team’s form is in a sharp decline.
Kashiwa Reysol have been stunning this season. After 23 rounds, they top the league with 12 wins, 8 draws and 3 losses, leading second-place Vissel Kobe by 1 point. Their recent form is even hotterunbeaten in their last 7 matches, including 5 wins, and they beat Tokyo FC (who had a recent winning streak) 1-0 in their last game to maintain their lead at the top.
Handicap Prediction:
Kashiwa Reysol -0 (Asian Handicap)
Draw + Away Win (European Odds)
Predicted scores: 1-2, 2-2, 2-3
Changes in Betting Data:
Major Asian bookmakers opened with a level ball (0-goal line) for this match; European odds offered a 2.58-3.45-2.69 combination. There is little difference in strength between the two teams, but Kashiwa are in much better form. Kashima once rose to the top of the league this season but have slipped to 4th due to a recent slump. In European odds, bets on Kashiwa have been pouring in, with their odds gradually dropping. Based on current trends, Kashiwa should have little difficulty in securing at least a draw and fighting for a win.
Predicted Goals: 3, 4, 5
Changes in Betting Data:
Referring to major Asian bookmakers, the initial total goals line was set at 2.5. Given both teams’ attacking strength and frontline stability this season, as long as they perform at their usual level, the goal count should be high. Additionally, the over 2.5 goals odds have fallen from extremely high returns to high returns, indicating that bettors' confidence in a high-scoring game is gradually increasing.
Predicted Corners: Over 10
Corner Analysis:
Kashima mainly use 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations, with tactics focusing on high pressing and combining wing play with central attacks. Kashiwa Reysol mostly use a 4-2-3-1 formation, dominating with wing and-centre combination tactics—35% of their threatening attacks come from cross deliveries, and their aerial success rate is over 50%. Given both teams' tactical styles, the number of corners is likely to be high.
