Čavrić magic to sink struggling Grampus? (Kashima Antlers vs Nagoya Grampus prediction) | OneFootball

Kashima Antlers vs Nagoya Grampus: J1 League Clash of Contrasting Fortunes

Kashima Antlers will look to build on their recent return to winning ways when they host struggling Nagoya Grampus in J1 League action this Friday.

The third-placed Antlers ended a concerning three-match losing streak with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory at Fagiano Okayama last time out, while Nagoya - despite sitting 17th in the table - also enter this fixture following a morale-boosting 2-1 win against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Antlers finding their feet again

Toru Oniki's Kashima side started the season impressively before hitting a rough patch that saw them lose three consecutive matches. Their victory at Okayama, which ended the hosts' unbeaten home record, could prove a significant turning point.

Aleksandar Čavrić was the standout performer in that match, scoring the equaliser before setting up substitute Talis Brener for the winner. The Serbian winger, who joined from Slovan Bratislava in February, has made an immediate impact at his new club.

"We showed great character to come from behind," Oniki told reporters after the match. "The substitutions worked well and Čavrić's performance was exceptional."

Leo Ceará has been another successful acquisition, netting eight goals in ten appearances since arriving from Cerezo Osaka in January. The Brazilian's goalscoring form has been crucial to Kashima's strong league position.

Grampus fighting for survival

Nagoya Grampus have endured a difficult campaign thus far, with just three wins from eleven matches leaving them in the relegation zone. However, their recent victory against Hiroshima has offered a glimmer of hope.

Coach Kenta Hasegawa has been working to integrate several new signings, including goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt from Belgian side Gent and attacking midfielder Mateus Castro, who returned to Japan from Saudi Arabia's Al Taawon.

"We need to fight together and win together," Hasegawa emphasised after their recent victory. "This is just the beginning of our comeback."

Midfielder Sho Inagaki has been Nagoya's most consistent performer with three goals and an assist in ten appearances, providing both defensive stability and attacking threat from the centre of the park.

Head-to-head dynamics

The contrast between the sides is stark - Kashima boast a record of six wins, one draw and four losses, while Nagoya have managed just three wins, two draws and six defeats.

Kashima's tactical flexibility under Oniki has started to pay dividends, particularly with effective substitutions and strong second-half performances. Meanwhile, Nagoya are still searching for consistency, especially away from home where they've struggled to find their rhythm.

Prediction

Kashima enter this match with renewed confidence and home advantage, while their new signings are settling in well and making decisive contributions. Nagoya showed signs of improvement in their last outing but remain vulnerable, particularly on their travels.

The hosts' attacking firepower, led by Ceará and supported by Čavrić and Yuma Suzuki, should prove too much for a Nagoya defence that has conceded multiple goals in several matches this season.

Predicted Score: Kashima Antlers 2 - 0 Nagoya Grampus