Gamba to Continue Recovery!

Kashima Antlers – CB/Defensive MF Koji Nakata has resumed training but is probably not yet ready for selection.

Both teams had disastrous starts to the campaign, Gamba Osaka (P7 W2 D1 L4 GD -3) going as far as replacing their coaching team after also showing badly in the AFC ACL. Since the change Gamba have notched a draw and two wins. They also, and this is not a change have the most potent attack in the division, apart from leaders Vegalta, but the worst defence – plus ca change, plus ca meme chose! If Gamba can get the defence together, and they have failed in that in recent seasons they could be a danger at the top. For now, their fans will be happy with a few more wins to move them away from the bottom of the table. They are gradually changing the team and this season will be one of consolidation while the youngsters gain experience, but they will be up for a game against perpetual rivals Antlers.

Kashima Antlers (P7 W2 D1 L4 GD -4) have turned around their disastrous start with two wins in a row in their last two games but still have a long way to go. If Koroki and Osako up front are give a decent run in the team, and the creative talents of the likes of Endo in midfield are given their head, there is no reason that Antlers will continue to struggle in the lower half of the table. Last time out the showed their spirit by coming back from 2-0 down to beat Cerezo Osaka 3-2, with a late winning goal from Endo to give Antlers, while they won away at FC Tokyo the week before – their season has finally begun? A tight one to call as both teams are finally coming out of the doldrums, expect a scoring DRAW!