Kashima Antlers v Consadole Sapporo

Kashima Antlers vs Consadole Sapporo Preview

Kashima Antlers' impressive and consistent 11-game unbeaten sequence in the Japanese top flight was finally brought to a halt when they suffered a 3-1 defeat away from home at fourth placed Vissel Kobe last weekend, while Consadole Sapporo still remain firmly rooted to the bottom of the J-League table after losing 1-0 at home to Albirex Niigata last weekend.

Seven wins and four draws has helped lift Kashima Antlers up into second place in the J-League standings and just narrowly above third placed rivals, Gamba Osaka by virtue of a better goal difference but the hosts now return to their Kashima Soccer Stadium for this upcoming clash with the basement dwellers, no doubt keen to set the record straight and return to winning ways.

Wins on home soil against Shonan Bellmare, Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F. Marinos will still stand Ranko Popovic's side in good stead for this important fixture and having put together a solid looking 13-match unbeaten sequence on home soil at their Kashima Soccer Stadium which includes collecting seven wins, Kashima Antlers are expected to bounce back with all three points here.

Goals may also feature in this upcoming encounter as seven of Kashima Antlers' last 10 games overall in the J-League have resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

Another defeat last weekend in the domestic top flight for visitors Consadole Sapporo in the form of a 1-0 loss at home to Albirex Niigata made it seven defeats on the trot for the beleaguered club from up north and they face another tough prospect in the shape of Kashima Antlers this Saturday as well.

Four of Consadole Sapporo's recent seven losses have been incurred on their travels with defeats being dealt out to Michael Petrovic's side at the likes of Kashiwa Reysol, Tokyo Verdy, Kyoto Sanga and FC Tokyo respectively, while the bigger picture does nothing to promote the visitors' chances here at the Kashima Soccer Stadium.

Indeed, Consadole Sapporo have managed to capture just two wins in their last 22 league matches overall, which have been achieved on home soil at their Sapporo Dome with victories gained over Gamba Osaka and Jubilo Iwata, but also includes slipping to no fewer than 15 defeats in the process which does not bode well for this upcoming trip to take on a high-flying Kashima Antlers outfit.

To make matters worse, results away from home have been even poorer as Consadole Sapporo have registered just the single win from their previous 19 outings on the road and five of their last 10 games overall have resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

Kashima Antlers v Consadole Sapporo Verdict

The odds are understandably low for a straight Kashima Antlers win here but the goals market appeals in this one.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.70

Other side bets worth considering:

Kashima Antlers win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.10

Correct Score: Kashima Antlers 3-0 @ 10.00