Vissel Kobe vs Kashima Antlers Prediction: Treading a Fine Line; Every Point Counts In Title Race!

Vissel Kobe will welcome Kashima Antlers to the Noevir Stadium in the 21st round of the J1 League. 

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Form: DLWDL

Following a series of unpleasant results, Vissel Kobe sits in fourth place with 34 points after 20 rounds. They are one point clear of 5th-placed and 6th-placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima and FC Tokyo, respectively, highlighting the intense competition for a top four position.

In the last round, they were held to a goalless draw against Machida Zelvia at home. Prior to that, they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat on the road against Gamba Osaka, halting a three-match unbeaten run across all competitions. At home, Kobe have won three of their last five matches (L1, D1) and have without a shadow of doubt typified consistency. 

Form: DDDWW

Kashima Antlers, on the other hand, has performed impressively this season. After 20 rounds, they sit second with 38 points accumulated, deadlocked on points with third-placed Gamba Osaka. They are four points ahead of their opponents in this impending encounter and are two points adrift of first-placed Machida Zelvia. 

In the last round, the Antlers were held to a goalless draw against Gamba Osaka at home. Prior to that, they squandered a two-goal lead in their match against the Urawa Red Diamonds to play out a 2-2 draw away from home. The Antlers have been a formidable force in the league, going eleven matches without suffering defeat, recording seven wins and four draws, and could prove to be a difficult opponent to overcome in this impending encounter. 

• Vissel Kobe have won three of their last seven home matches in the J1 League.
• Kashima Antlers have won three of their last eight matches against Vissel Kobe.
• Vissel Kobe averages 1.2 goals per game when playing at home, and Kashima Antlers averages 1.7 goals per game when playing away.

In the last 49 meetings, Vissel Kobe has won 14 times, Kashima Antlers has won 24 times, and there have been 11 draws, with the goal difference being 75-58 in favor of Kashima Antlers. 

Vissel Kobe failed to capitalize on their home advantage last time out against Machida Zelvia and has been presented with another opportunity to redeem themselves. However, their opponents are no pushovers, having picked up three wins in their last ten encounters (L4, D3).

In the reverse fixture, Vissel Kobe lost 1-0 away from home, halting a seven-match unbeaten run, and it's safe to say that the defending champions with the tables turned around will be seeking revenge. As such, we anticipate an entertaining affair between two sides on level terms by supporting both sides to get on the scoreboard, as this has been the case in six of their last ten encounters.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.90
• Highest Scoring Half - 2nd Half for 2.05
• Total - Over 2.5 for 2.06