League-position context
Albirex Niigata rank11th
Kashima rank2nd
Albirex Niigata points20
Kashima points37
Albirex Niigata: #11 ยท 20 pts ยท GD -4
17 pts off the top 2. 7 pts off the play-off line. 7 pts clear of the relegation zone.
Kashima: #2 ยท 37 pts ยท GD +14
Currently in the automatic promotion spots. 11 pts above the play-off edge. 24 pts clear of the relegation zone.
17-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.