League leaders Kashima to edge defensive Hiroshima test (Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Kashima Antlers prediction) | OneFootball

Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Kashima Antlers: League Leaders Face Defensive Test

Sanfrecce Hiroshima welcome league leaders Kashima Antlers to the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima on Wednesday evening in what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two sides with contrasting styles.

Form Guide

Michael Skibbe's Hiroshima side currently sit seventh in the J1 League with a balanced record of three wins, two draws and one loss. Their recent form has been somewhat patchy, managing just one win in their last three matches after a promising start to the campaign.

Their most recent outing ended in disappointment as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Kyoto Sanga, failing to convert their possession into meaningful chances. This followed a 1-1 draw with Kashiwa Reysol, highlighting their recent struggles in front of goal.

In stark contrast, Toru Oniki's Kashima Antlers have been in imperious form, sitting atop the J1 League with five wins, one draw and just one defeat. The visitors are unbeaten in their last six matches, winning five of them, including a professional 1-0 victory over Vissel Kobe last time out.

Key Battle

This match presents a classic tactical confrontation between Hiroshima's defensive resilience and Kashima's attacking firepower.

Sanfrecce have built their campaign on solid defensive foundations, keeping three clean sheets in their last six matches. The experienced backline featuring Sho Sasaki and Tsukasa Shiotani has proven difficult to break down, particularly at home.

However, they face their sternest test yet against a Kashima attack that has been firing on all cylinders. The visitors' forward line is spearheaded by the lethal duo of Léo Ceará and Yuma Suzuki, who have contributed eight goals between them this season – Ceará leading the scoring charts with five.

Team News

Sanfrecce are likely to continue with their 4-4-2 formation, with Keisuke Osako in goal behind a settled back four. The January signing of Valère Germain has added experience to their frontline, though the former Marseille striker will need to find his scoring touch if Hiroshima are to improve their recent attacking output.

Kashima are expected to maintain their 4-3-3 system that has served them so well this season. Their midfield trio of Yuta Higuchi, Yu Funabashi and Ryuta Koike provides both defensive stability and creative spark, while Aleksandar Čavrić offers additional threat alongside the prolific Ceará and Suzuki.

Prediction

Hiroshima's home advantage could prove significant, but Kashima's momentum and attacking quality make them favourites. Sanfrecce will aim to frustrate the league leaders with their defensive organisation, but breaking down Kashima's defence has proven difficult for most teams this season.

The hosts will need standout performances from their defensive stalwarts and more clinical finishing from the Germain duo up front if they are to halt Kashima's impressive run.

Expect a tight affair with Kashima's superior firepower potentially making the difference in what could be a decisive match in the early stages of the J1 League title race.

Predicted Score: Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-2 Kashima Antlers