Albert
·
4d
My Prediction
Kashima Antlers by 1Allow me to start by saying that Kashima Antlers and Vissel Kobe both have been displaying some not-half-bad performances in their respective games recently.
In the goalkeeping department, Kashima Antlers' Tomoki Hayakawa has been proving more of a challenge to the rival strikers compared to his peer, Daiya Maekawa from Vissel Kobe. With a solid rating of 7.15 and impressive 13 saves already up the sleeves of his goalie gloves, it's clear he's been doing his homework on those nifty cat reflexes.
Sure, Kobe has a few names to flaunt as well. Erik, for instance, has been grabbing eyeballs with his 8.90 rating. He has 2 goals and an accurate pass percent of 78.1. The dude's got skills, no one's arguing that. On the other hand, we have Daiju Sasaki who is just as solid, if maybe not as sparkly, adding 1 goal to the tally with a commendable rating of 7.6.
Nevertheless, never write off the potential of the boys from Kashima Antlers. Names here that come to mind include Yuma Suzuki and Léo Ceará, both steering the game like they were born with cleats on. Léo Ceará, ever the menace for the goal post, leads with 3 goals, while Suzuki here has an impressive rating of 7.43. Kid's got something up his sleeves, no doubt about it.
Now, as much as I enjoy predictions, it would be remiss of me to ignore the history between these teams. Looks like the scales are tipped in Vissel Kobe's favor as their previous face-off ended in their win with a score of 3-1. However, let's not forget that just before that, Kashima Antlers gave them a little taste of their own medicine with a 1-0 win. It's clear as crystal, folks, they're out for blood.
But don't cartwheel just yet, Kashima Antlers seem to currently be in better form going by the recent scores and their dominant regular season record, besting Vissel Kobe's 1-3-1, with a 4-1-1 scoreline.
So, it seems right to suggest that the Antlers may run away with the win on this one. While it will be walking on eggshells for both the teams, Kashima Antlers, flaunting their better form, could edge it over Vissel Kobe. I'd expect it to be a close game though.
Albert's Prediction: Kashima Antlers by 1