About Match
In the standings it is Sanfrecce Hiroshima 5th on 11 points, Kashima Antlers 3rd on 12 — separated by 1. Scoring rates set the scale: Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2.17 scored and 0.83 conceded per game, Kashima Antlers 2.17 and 1.83, with the league averaging 1.5. Sanfrecce Hiroshima would climb to 14 points with a win and up to 2nd, overtaking Kashima Antlers (other results held equal).
The head-to-head ledger counts 8 games: 3 Sanfrecce Hiroshima wins, 3 for Kashima Antlers, 2 draws, at 2.5 goals per meeting. Hosting has counted for little in this fixture — the home side has won only 25% of those meetings.
The match takes place at EDION Stadium in Hiroshima (capacity 50,000).