Kashima Antlers vs Cerezo Osaka Prediction: The Antlers Have Been And Still Are A Force To Be Reckoned With At Home

Kashima Antlers will welcome Cerezo Osaka to the Kashima Stadium in the second round of the J1 League. 

Cerezo Osaka will face a daunting task as they aim to secure their first win of the season against a formidable Kashima Antlers side they have failed to defeat in their last six away matches in the league. 

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Kashima Antlers began their J1 League season with a strong start, securing a 3-0 victory away against Nagoya Grampus. In that match, Hayato Nakama gave his side a crucial lead in the first nineteen minutes before bagging a brace in the 62nd minute to seal the victory fifteen minutes after Aleksandar Čavrić had extended it 2-0.

The Antlers currently boast a three-match unbeaten run at the Kashima Stadium (D2 W1) when playing in the league. Additionally, they have suffered a solitary defeat in their last thirteen home matches (W8 D4), indicating they could prove to be formidable opponents. 

With three points accumulated thus far, Kashima Antlers occupy the top spot in the J1 League standings, and a win here could see them maintain that position. 

Formation: 4-4-2

T. Hayakawa; K. Anzai, I. Sekigawa, N. Ueda, K. Nono; H. Nakama, K. Sano, K. Chinen, Y. Higuchi; A. Cavric, S. Doi

Despite being in the ascendancy for large spells of the game against FC Tokyo at home, Cerezo Osaka couldn't capitalize on their dominance to secure their first three points of the season as they were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw. During the game, Capixa gave his team a crucial lead in the 26th minute, but his efforts were futile as they were pegged back by Ryotaro Araki's goal seven minutes later. Six minutes into the second half, Shunta Tanaka regained the lead for his team. However, they were unable to prevent Ryotaro Araki from equalizing once again in the 75th minute, making it two goals for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder. 

Cerezo Osaka have struggled with consistency when playing away from home, as they are winless in their last five matches (L4 D1). Their inefficiency in the final third has been the root cause of their poor performance, as they have failed to score in either of those matches, conceding five goals in the process, and little can be expected from them in this one. 

With one point accumulated thus far, Cerezo Osaka sits in seventh place and is two points behind first place, currently occupied by their opponents in this impending encounter. 

Formation: 4-1-2-3

J. Kim; S. Maikuma, K. Toriumi, K. Funaki, K. Noborizato; S. Tanaka; H. Okuno, S. Kagawa; L. Fernandes, Leo Ceara, J. Capixaba

• Kashima Antlers are currently on a three-match winning streak across all competitions.
• Cerezo Osaka have won one of their last six matches across all competitions.
• Kashima Antlers averages 1 goal per game when playing at home, and Cerezo Osaka averages 0.6 goals per game when playing away.

In the last 38 meetings, Kashima Antlers have won 24 times, Cerezo Osaka have won 9 times, and there have been 5 draws, with the goal difference being 58-33 in favor of Kashima Antlers. 

Kashima Antlers are relishing their position at the summit of the standings, and to prolong their stay, they must ensure they collect all three points in this impending encounter against a side they have dominated in past meetings. 

Considering that Kashima Antlers have yet to suffer defeat at the hands of Cerezo Osaka in their last 13 matches in the league, we anticipate them to secure a comfortable victory in front of their fans by supporting them in the full-time market.

• W1 for 2.20
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.80
• Total - Under 2.5 for 1.62