The most interesting matchup in the next J1 League round is the duel between Vissel Kobe and Kashima Antlers, scheduled for Sunday, 30 June.
With both teams near the very top, who will get the points from this match? Learn more about this game from our Vissel Kobe vs Kashima Antlers prediction and preview.
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Vissel Kobe vs Kashima Antlers prediction: A draw with goals on both sides
Key stats
- Vissel Kobe have lost three times in their last six games and have only won once in that span.
- Three of the previous five H2H meetings between these two teams have gone under 2.5 total goals.
- Vissel Kobe have gone under 2.5 total goals in eight of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Vissel Kobe 0-1 Kashima Antlers
The last two times when Kashima Antlers have beaten Visssel Kobe, the final score was 1-0 for Kashima.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Vissel Kobe backed by the bookies
- HOME: 10/11 (1.91) – 52.40%
- DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.30%
- AWAY: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.80%
It's clear looking at these Vissel Kobe vs Kashima Antlers odds that the hosts are the expected winners, which isn't too surprising given that Vissel Kobe have the advantage of playing at home and they're only four points behind Kashima.
However, Kashima Antlers are in much better form since they're unbeaten in the league since the end of April, while Vissel Kobe have lost three times in the past six rounds alone.
In any case, we expect an exciting duel and if you like our predictions for it, remember to also look at our favourite betting tips for today.
Last five H2Hs: A tied matchup in recent years
Both Vissel Kobe and Kashima Antlers have won two games each in their last five H2H meetings, with one match ending in a draw. However, Kashima Antlers have a significant advantage when it comes to their overall H2H record: 33-11-16.
Japan J-League 19/05/24
Kashima Antlers
Vissel Kobe
Japan J-League 21/10/23
Vissel Kobe
Kashima Antlers
Japan J-League 15/04/23
Kashima Antlers
Vissel Kobe
Japan Cup 07/09/22
Vissel Kobe
Kashima Antlers
Japan J-League 16/07/22
Kashima Antlers
Vissel Kobe
Vissel Kobe preview: Trying to defend the title
As the reigning champions of Japan, Vissel Kobe were expected to fight for another title and so far, they've been close to this goal. At the moment, Vissel Kobe are fourth in the standings and six points behind league leaders Machida Zelvia, but their recent form and one win in the last six league games is a worrying sign for their title aspirations.
The defending champions will be without injured Mitsuki Saito in this game.
Predicted lineup: Maekwa (GK), Sakai, Yamakawa, Honda, Hatsuse, Yamaguchi, Ogihara, Miyashiro, Muto, Sasaki & Osako
Japan J-League 12/04/25
W
Tokyo Verdy
0
Vissel Kobe
1
Japan J-League 06/04/25
L
Albirex Niigata
1
Vissel Kobe
0
Japan J-League 02/04/25
W
Yokohama FC
0
Vissel Kobe
1
Japan J-League 29/03/25
L
Kashima Antlers
1
Vissel Kobe
0
Japan J-League 16/03/25
W
Shonan Bellmare
1
Vissel Kobe
2
Kashima Antlers preview: On an impressive run of form
With 11 games in a row without a loss in the J1 League, Kashima Antlers seem like one of the biggest favourites to win the title this season. After all, they are currently second in the standings and just two points behind Machida Zelvia at the top. A win over Vissel Kobe would definitely showcase how serious Kashima are this season.
Yuji Kajikawa and Radomir Milosavljevic are out with injuries at the moment, while Yuma Suzuki, the team's top scorer this season, is suspended for this match.
Predicted lineup: Hayakawa (GK), Nono, Ueda, Sekigawa, Anzai, Sano, Chinen, Morooka, Nago, Nakama & Cavric
Japan J-League 12/04/25
L
Cerezo Osaka
1
Kashima Antlers
0
Japan J-League Cup 09/04/25
D
Renofa Yamaguchi
1
Kashima Antlers
1
Japan J-League 06/04/25
L
Kyoto Sanga FC
4
Kashima Antlers
3
Japan J-League 02/04/25
L
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
1
Kashima Antlers
0
Japan J-League 29/03/25
W
Vissel Kobe
0
Kashima Antlers
1
Player to watch: Aleksandar Cavric
While the Serbian striker is not always starting for Kashima, he is the team's second best scorer in the league with six goals and with their top scorer out for this match, Cavric is our player to watch in this match.
Will Cavric score in the second half?
All six goals that Cavric has scored in the J1 League this season were scored in the second halves of matches. Will that be the case against Vissel Kobe too?