Vissel Kobe – FW Okubo claims to be back from injury but will struggle to play a full game. DF Iwanami is away on U19 duty and also reported to be signing with PSV Eindhoven – he may not even get to make his debut for Vissel Kobe. New coach Akira Nishino will be at the club for this match.

Kashima Antlers will be missing FW Osako and MF Yamamura to U23 duty in France.

Nine wins for Kashima, just three for Kobe and five draws over the last decade in 17 meetings, with Vissel wins coming in 2003, 2004 and 2009.

Vissel Kobe (P12 W5 D0 L7 GD -4) welcome new coach Akira Nishino on the back of two losses (three including a Nabisco Cup defeat at home to S-Pulse), after interim coach Adachi won a couple to get the team’s spirits up. Nichino is known to be a man who builds a team, makes sweeping changes over a season of rebuilding, with a view to the future. But Vissel owner Mikitani wants success this season – will that be too much to ask? Nishino’s first line-up will be interesting to see. Plenty of youngsters to build a team around, with some solid experience to help settle in.

Kashima Antlers (P12 W4 D2 L6 GD +2) had a bad start, stuck with their coaching team, turned the corner, lost a few more games, and then thrashed Consadole last week 7-0 (with seven different goalscorers). They’ll be confident, but missing Osako, although Dutra and Juninho will be hoping to prove they are worthy of a place so will be giving their all. It might not be enough and I EXPECT a WIN for VISSEL KOBE!