Kashima Antlers – DF / MF Koji Nakata will be out for two months with a knee injury.

7 wins for Antlers, 6 wins for Reds and 7 draws since 2003

Urawa Reds were put in their place by Vissel Kobe last weekend, Yoshito Okubo’s penalty keeping them from moving to within a win of the top spot. Kashima Antlers have won 3 of their last 5 including a win over Jubilo Iwata last week – they are missing Koji Nakata to injury, but Iwamasa will be buoyed by a national team recall. Reds have won only two of their last five, yet still remain in reach of the top spot – a testament to the unpredictability of J1 this year – and every year! I seriously believe that anyone down to S-Pulse in 10th position can still win this league so Reds must win this to keep the lower teams at bay.

Kashima Antlers will be hoping the likes of Kuroki and Osako can score the goals that will keep them out of the relegation zone but Reds will be too strong for them today – EXPECT a WIN for URAWA REDS!