League-position context
Kashima rank1st
Albirex Niigata rank13th
Kashima points39
Albirex Niigata points18
Kashima: #1 ยท 39 pts ยท GD +19
Currently in the automatic promotion spots. 16 pts above the play-off edge. 22 pts clear of the relegation zone.
Albirex Niigata: #13 ยท 18 pts ยท GD -6
20 pts off the top 2. 5 pts off the play-off line. 1 pts clear of the relegation zone.
21-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.