Nagoya Grampus – DF Arai is close to a return from injury, while MF Isomura will be out for most of the season. MF Danilson must be considered doubtful, MF Nakamura is out for at least another month.

In the last ten seasons we have seen Kashima Antlers win 14 times, with just seven victories for Nagoya Grampus, and two draws.

Kashima Antlers (P13 W5 D2 L6 GD +3) had a dire start to the season but have seen a recovery recently and have won their last two games – away at Vissel Kobe, where they were out-shot 14 to 7, but came out winners – and the 7-0 home win over hapless Consadole. Koroki and Osako have nine goals between them and looking better after the team opened the season on that scoreless run. They will be hoping to beat a Nagoya Grampus (P12 W5 D2 L5 GD -2) who have won just one of their last five and are on a downward spiral – including exit from the ACL Champions League). Manager Stoijkovic will ring the changes and no-one’s place will be safe as he plots to bring the team out of their slump. But not today, expect a win for KASHIMA ANTLERS!