League-position context
Albirex Niigata rank17th
Kashima rank2nd
Albirex Niigata points28
Kashima points72
Albirex Niigata: #17 ยท 28 pts ยท GD -32
44 pts off the top 2. 19 pts off the play-off line. 6 pts from safety.
Kashima: #2 ยท 72 pts ยท GD +22
Currently in the automatic promotion spots. 28 pts above the play-off edge. 39 pts clear of the relegation zone.
44-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.